Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, son of President Rodrigo Duterte, on Sunday acknowledged “signs” regarding his father’s possible endorsement of UniTeam standard bearer Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“We still do not know (for certain) but there are signs. We have seen the PDP-Laban release a statement supporting BBM (Marcos), so I hope the President will express his support to BBM,” he said during the proclamation rally of local candidates, led by South Cotabato Governor Jun Tamayo.
Baste Duterte was referring to the Cusi-wing PDP-Laban faction’s recent endorsement of Marcos Jr.
The younger Duterte is the brother of Davao City Mayor and vice-presidential bet Sara Duterte-Carpio, Marcos’ running-mate.
When asked if he would prefer that his father endorse Marcos, he replied, “Of course.”
According to the vice mayor, Marcos is “actually” dominating the surveys in Davao City.
“As far as I know, he is high in Davao, more than 80 percent, 85 percent. We’re trying to push for 90 percent,” he said.
Meanwhile, more than 300 doctors from General Santos City and nearby provinces have declared their support for the formidable tandem of presidential frontrunner Marcos Jr. and Inday Sara Duterte.
Marcos met with at least 20 doctors from GenSan, who called themselves “UniteaMD,” on Sunday during which they pledged their support for BBM-Sara UniTeam.
Led by their president and spokesperson Dr. Jun Demontaño, the group said their ranks support the UniTeam because they believe the tandem can strengthen and support various programs for the health sector.
“We took the effort of printing the logo and t-shirts, we call our group UniteaMD. This is just proof that we fully support the BBM and Sara team,” Demontano added.
“There are 380 strong doctors in my group who fully support BBM and Sara, but we are only 20 here (at present). We believe they can both help the medical society, we are ready to work with them,” he said.
Demontaño said they are convinced the UniTeam has programs designed to improve the welfare of both health workers and the public health system.
“We know that BBM and Sara can help us, especially in the reorganization of PhilHealth, not only in the hospital but also in the doctors, with their ability and experience they can strengthen Universal Health Care,” he said.
Demontaño also said that they are ready to cooperate with Marcos and Duterte as he stressed the need to listen to their suggestions when it comes to health issues.
“We also need to listen to doctors, we can give suggestions on how to improve the implementation of Universal Health Care and other programs, we are willing to help,” he said.
For his part, Marcos, the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) standard bearer, praised the sacrifices and efforts of the doctors and all health practitioners in battling the pandemic.
“May I please express the gratitude of the Filipino people to all our frontliners, to our doctors, nurses, and medical staff who work so hard over the last two years to keep us healthy. I know the sacrifices that you have made, the risk you have taken and yet you continue to work and be true to your oath, especially UniteaMD,” Marcos said.
He also thanked the group for the support they’ve given to the whole UniTeam.
“Your expression of support and trust is not only for our candidates but also for the idea and concepts and the cost of unity that we all believe in because it is something that is necessary so that our country will move forward. Thank you so much for your help, for your support,” he said.
Marcos vowed that if ever he and Duterte were elected, the doctors, nurses and other health workers will be a priority of the UniTeam.
“Our doctors are very much supported by UniTeam, we know what hardships, what fatigue and fear you face, please expect that in case we prosper, we will work together, you are always in our hearts and minds because of the sacrifice you made in the country,” he said.