By Genalyn Kabiling
The Cayetanos should ignore criticisms about belonging to a political dynasty especially since people of Taguig City are "lucky" to have them in public service, President Duterte said last Thursday.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during his visit to the Taguig City Center for the Elderly on November 21, 2019. (KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO/ MANILA BULLETIN)
The President came to the defense of House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and his siblings in government in a visit in their bailiwick city of Taguig, citing their projects that address the needs of their constituents.
"Alam mo Alan, Congressman, hayaan mo 'yan sila magsalita kung ganun. Do not mind them. Ang sabi, Taguig ganun ang asawa tapos kapatid. Hayaan mo,” ," Duterte said.
"Kay kung sila padalhin mo dito, p*** ma… You’d lose the momentum at hindi mo alam ang commitment. Ang karamihan pa naman 'pag nandiyan papasok ng gobyerno nasa isip pera ," he added.
The President was in Taguig City to visit the wellness center for the elderly, a project by the Cayetanos, who are known administration allies. The Speaker, his wife Taguig 2nd District Rep. Lani Cayetano, and his siblings Senator Pia Cayetano and Taguig City Mayor Lino Cayetano were present during the event.
In his speech, the President was all praises for the Cayetanos, especially for initiating the wellness hub for senior citizens in Taguig.
“What I am really saying is marunong tayong mag-connect . The Cayetanos know how to connect. Inuna talaga itong mga ganito ,” he said.
Duterte also lauded that Taguig City for having a booming economy, as well as a low crime incidence.
"I hope that your local officials will carry on with the city's banner of malasakit for the elderly even as they continue to sustain Taguig’s rapidly booming economy," he said.
"Napakaswerte ninyo, napakaswerte ninyo sa mga Cayetanos talaga. Si --- the late senator. They molded ," he said.
The President also seized the chance to defend his children working in government, namely Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, Davao Rep. Paolo Duterte, and Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte during the Taguig gathering.
He explained that it was the people of Davao who clamored for him and his children to join public service.
"Tapos na ako. Iniwan ko sa anak ko ‘yung Davao. Eh ‘yung sabi nilang ano, family dynasty. Eh sabi ko magpatakbo ako ng iba, ayaw ko na ," he said.
," he said.
He said his daughter, whom he considered the "alpha" in the family, is tough and strict public servant.
He recalled that she once punched a sheriff who wanted to demolish houses in Davao City. He said even his sons Paolo and Sebastian are afraid of the feisty Sara.