Vice President Sara Duterte has begun her Visayas and Mindanao sorties to thank the people for their support and to campaign for the 10 senatorial candidates of PDP Team Duterte. She aims to carry on the original 2022 election battle cry of “unity of the solid North and solid South,” and to continue the economic gains achieved during the administration of her father, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who is now detained and facing trial for alleged crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court.

Benito Ranque, convenor of the reactivated Masada group, told the DAILY TRIBUNE that a video message from the Vice President will be played during political rallies of PDP Team Duterte candidates in key areas of the Visayas and Mindanao.

“Inday Sara promised to attend the rallies. If she cannot make it, a video message will be played, in which she appeals for a straight vote for the Duterte #10 senatorial candidates under the theme of ‘unity and continuity,’” he said.

He said a grand rally and motorcade organized by Dr. Nonoy Trumata will be held Wednesday in Sogod, Southern Leyte, culminating in a gathering at the town plaza.

Ranque said all Team Duterte candidates are expected to join the rally, and they are hopeful that the Vice President will also attend.

He said the 10 candidates were earlier endorsed by former President Duterte from his ICC detention facility and have also received support from the opposition-aligned PDP Team Duterte group.

Local candidates cross political lines to support Duterte #10

Ranque said the grand rally in Sogod, Leyte will focus on senatorial candidates, with backing from local candidates who have crossed party lines to support PDP Team Duterte.

Opposing local candidates are expected to temporarily pause their campaigns to give way to the motorcade of the opposition’s senatorial slate.

In the Caraga region, a similar political landscape is unfolding, with rival local candidates uniting behind the Team Duterte senatorial bets.

It was also in the Caraga region where massive prayer rallies and candlelight events were held following the kidnapping and transport of former President Duterte to the Netherlands.