Duterte supporters set series of activities for ex-president's 80th birthday tomorrow

CEBU, Philippines — A series of events is set to happen in Cebu today and tomorrow in line with the birthday celebration of former president Rodrigo Duterte on March 28.

The Hakbang ng Maisug-Cebu convenors Atty. Irene Ann Caballes and EB Jugalbot, in a press conference, yesterday said that Duterte’s supporters and relatives in Danao City will be doing a Mañanita rally today, March 27 at 8 p.m. at the City Boardwalk.

Danao City Vice Mayor Nito Durano has been invited and will lead in welcoming Duterte’s birthday.

Jugalbot said that there will be free t-shirt printing starting at 1p.m. onwards at the Boardwalk, and at 6 p.m. there will be live band performances.

At 7 p.m., Unity ride will be held from Cansaga Bridge-Paknaan side in Mandaue City to Danao City. At 10 p.m. the program proper will start where they would wait for the midnight for the mañanita for the former president.

The Hakbang ng Maisug Cebu also announced that participants are encouraged to wear green or black shirt; to bring muffins with birthday candles for a simultaneous lighting and blowing of candles; and hang green ribbons on their vehicle side mirrors.

On March 28, the actual 80th birthday of Duterte, there will be birthday tribute to the former president at the Pasilong sa Paraiso in Mandue City, which is the site of the Feb. 22, 2025 Cebu People’s Indignation Rally.

“Significant ni nga venue kay nianhi si Tatay Digong before his arrest,” said Jugalbot.

At 1p.m onwards, there will also be a free t-shirt printing; 2 p.m. is the manifesto signing for PRRD; 3 p.m is entertainment and fellowship of Maisug Cebu and supporters; 4 p.m. is the slicing of Duterte’s birthday cake and food sharing with more than 200 children in and around Pasilong relocation site.

Caballes and Jugalbot clarified that this initiative is not affiliated with any politician, and the group will not campaign for anyone.

Duterte is in the custody of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands to face the criminal charges filed against him.

They said that their group is a social group and does not support any local candidates but only national candidates endorsed by Duterte.

They also called out the unscrupulous individuals availing themselves of their free t-shirt printing containing the texts “Bring PRRD Home,” “Bring Him Home,” “I am a Filipino for Nothing,” and yet sold these through online e-commerce platforms.

Meanwhile, Cebu gubernatorial candidate Pamela Baricuatro said that she will be joining the mañanita event in Danao City.

While on March 28, the PDP will have their own separate event, this time, a solidarity walk from Plaza Independencia to Fuente Osmeña, Cebu City, for a candle lighting ceremony at 7 p.m.

“The crowd is going to be massive although I do not have the numbers now. We want to paint the town green,” said Baricuatro.

She also encouraged all Duterte supporters to join the solidarity walk to show their love for Tatay Digong.

“This is going to be a peaceful one. A peaceful get together of Duterte’s supporters and anyone who want to wish PRRD a happy birthday,” Baricuatro added. — /JG (FREEMAN)