ILOILO CITY -- For Governor Rhodora ‘Dodod’ Cadiao, there’s nothing wrong with the provincial government of Antique declaring Vice President Sara as an adopted daughter.
“They can say what they want, but the Antiquenos adore her. We're just grateful for our presence during difficult times,” Cadiao told Manila Bulletin in a phone interview.
Cadiao made the statement after the Antique Provincial Board was recently criticized anew for the resolution that was passed last July.
The criticism resurfaced when Duterte thanked Cadiao and the Antique Provincial Board in an October 4 letter, but was shared on Facebook last week.
“I appreciate your Province's message of support and confidence. I hope to reciprocate by doing my utmost for the Philippines and the Filipino People,” Duterte said in the letter.
According to Cadiao, Duterte visited Antique several times and even years before she was elected vice president.
This sentiment was expressed in the resolution as Duterte has ‘gone out of her way to visit, personally thank, and meet with Antiqueños and has shown a hands-on approach in addressing the needs of constituents in our Province.’
The resolution also credited Duterte for extending ‘help during times of crisis in Antique, such as sending aid to some municipalities after the onslaught of Typhoon Odette and other calamities.’
Last May 25, the then presumptive vice president personally went to Antique and condoled with the family of a young man who allegedly committed suicide after being bullied online for supporting the campaign tandem of Marcos-Duterte.