DAVAO CITY -- Rodrigo "Rigo" Duterte II, the son of Davao City first district Rep. Paolo "Pulong" Duterte and grandson of former President Rodrigo Duterte, filed his Certificate of Candidacy for councilor at the Commission on Elections here on Wednesday morning, October 2.
RODRIGO ‘Rigo’ Duterte II (second from left), the son of Davao City first district Rep. Paolo ‘Pulong’ Duterte and grandson of former President Rodrigo Duterte, shows his Certificate of Candidacy for councilor at the Commission on Elections in Davao City on Wednesday, October 2. With him are Rep. Duterte and his brother Barangay Buhangin Captain Omar and his wife Yssa. (Photo via Ivy Tejano)
Rigo, who is running in the first district, was accompanied by Rep. Duterte and his brother Barangay Buhangin Captain Omar and his wife Yssa.
Meanwhile, reelectionists Mati City Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat and her running mate, nephew Vice Mayor Enzo Rabat, and a neophyte and independent candidate here filed their COCs on Tuesday, October 1.
The Rabats said that their candidacy is part of their broader effort to strengthen their stronghold in local governance in Mati.
They heard Mass before submitting their COCs.
Ramil Fernando Brucal, a 54-year-old college professor, a first-time candidate running for councilor in this city’s third district, submitted the third COC.
The fourth COC was turned in by first district independent candidate Markoper Javier.
The Comelec-Davao encouraged candidates to promptly submit their COCs to allow ample time for necessary document corrections.
The filing of COCs runs from October 1 to 8.
Supportive father
Rep. Duterte expressed support for his son’s candidacy.
The lawmaker said he is hoping that Rigo, running under the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod (HTL), would be able to support those in need and the current generation, ensuring their future children and grandchildren.
“We have been visiting the barangays for about five years. He (Rigo) has seen it. He has witnessed the hardships and difficulties faced by the people. So, I hope he continues to help them,” Rep. Duterte said,
Rep. Duterte highlighted medical services as among the primary needs of the people. He said he constantly reminded Rigo that the debt of gratitude that the Dutertes owe the people cannot truly be repaid, but at least they could provide services for them.
Rigo said he aims to heed his father’s guidance by prioritizing healthcare and medical support for the people here. He said he seeks to advance the initiatives he was involved in during his time working alongside his father.
The first Duterte to file a COC for the 2025 elections, Rigo has been representing Rep. Duterte in various activities here initiated by the First Congressional District Office. He said he was ready to serve the city council and the people here.