After several days being scarce, President Duterte made an appearance in an online show, Sunday.
As organized by singer and Pagcor Vice president for Corporate Social Responsibility Jimmy Bondoc, the online show was meant to honor the president for his hard work.
Contrary to rumors the president is out of the country or is bedridden (it all depends where you source your tsismis) PRRD looked healthy.
He said he was on his way to Jolo.
“Mabigyan ko lang ang mga sundalo nati, mga pulis ko ng importansiya sa kanilang kamatayan,” he said.
Last August 24 insurgents detonated two bombs in Jolo, Sulu, killing 14 people and wounding many others.
President Duterte went on to thank all the stars who participated in the online show saying, “Maraming maraming salamat sa inyo. And I hope to see you one of these days sa aking bahay, magsalou-salo tayo ng maruya at softdrinks after this COVID-19 .With the grace of God, baka December magkaroon na tayo ng bakuna at mailigtas ang Pilipinas sa marahas na sakit na ito. Salamat sa inyo and I will remember you for all time.”
“You are welcome Mr. President and I shall take your offer to have maruya with you in your home in Davao after this pandemic,” I thought to myself.
Other stars that participated with me in the “Singing for the President” show were Journey frontman Arnel Pineda, comedian Arnel Ignacio, actor Cesar Montano, singers Dulce, Imelda Papin, Chad Borja, Freddie Aguilar, Anthony Castelo, actress Vivian Velez, Mocha uson and MYMP.
Director Njel de Mesa, co-organized the event with Jimmy. I asked the singer turned public servant why he organized this event. He answered, “The President and the government is under so much stress. If we can
organize concerts for our frontliners, why can’t we organize a concert for our number one frontliner?”
The show, streamed live on the Facebook page of Viva Pinas received mixed reactions.
Apparently, there are a few who didn’t agree with Jimmy’s aim.
The chief legal counsel of the president, Salvador Panelo, didn’t seem to mind.
While waiting for his turn in the studio, he told me, “Hate just brings people down. Why don’t we just love one another and help build a better nation?”