DAVAO CITY , Philippines – As early as Christmas Eve, thousands again flocked to the house of President Duterte on Taal street in Royal Valley Subdivision in this city for the usual Christmas and thanksgiving party that has been the tradition of the Duterte family since the late 1980s.
Residents who gathered at the house of the Dutertes were treated to food and Christmas packages and given a chance to win prizes in the raffle.
This tradition has been going on for more than 30 years since Duterte threw his hat into politics. His daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, has kept the tradition alive since Duterte became President in 2016.
But, as in the past three years, the President did not show up for the traditional program.
Observers noted that there were more and more people who lined up –stretching for more than two kilometers – for the yuletide giveaways of the Duterte family yesterday.