Senator Christopher “Bong” Go participated in a peace rally on Saturday, 22 March, at Millennium Park in Davao City, alongside Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and other local supporters, calling for prayers for the health, safety, and freedom of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Despite their physical challenges, PWDs gathered with fellow Davaoeños to express their support for Duterte amid his ongoing legal issues abroad. The rally underscored unity and faith, with attendees expressing gratitude for Duterte’s leadership during his long tenure as mayor of Davao City.
In his speech, Go, a Davao native, emphasized the city's commitment to inclusivity and human rights, highlighting the 2012 Anti-Discrimination Ordinance that sought to protect the rights of all individuals, including PWDs and indigenous peoples.
“Walang diskriminasyon dito sa Davao City. Ganoon po niya kamahal ang Davao kaya ganoon din siya minahal dito sa Davao,” Go said. He also stressed that Davao has long valued equality, noting that the city has had laws in place to protect everyone's rights regardless of their background.
(“There is no discrimination here in Davao City. That’s how much he loved Davao, and that’s why he is also loved here in Davao.”)
Go, who served as Duterte’s aide before becoming a senator, acknowledged the PWDs in attendance, thanking them for their participation despite their challenges. “Sa mga PWDs naman, maraming salamat kahit na ganoon po ang kinatatayuan ninyo, tumayo pa rin kayo para kay Tatay Digong,” he said.
(“To the PWDs, thank you so much. Even with your challenges, you still stood up for Tatay Digong.”)
The senator reflected on the lasting impact of Duterte’s leadership, particularly his contributions to peace and order in Davao City. He reminded the crowd of how Duterte’s administration made the city safer for all, particularly at night. “Noong panahon ni Tatay Digong, mas nakakalakad kayo sa gabi diba? Nang walang nasasaktan, walang nababastos,” Go said.
("During Tatay Digong's time, you could walk at night, right? Without anyone getting hurt or disrespected.")
The senator also urged the crowd to continue praying for Duterte’s well-being, noting the former president’s age and the ongoing challenges he faces. “Pagdasal natin si Tatay Digong, ipagdasal natin ang kaniyang kalusugan... Ipagdasal po natin ang kaniyang kaligtasan at ipagdasal natin ang kaniyang kalayaan,” Go said. He added that Duterte should not be confined abroad and should be in Davao or the Philippines.
As the rally concluded, the crowd, made up of both PWDs and able-bodied supporters, stood united in prayer for Duterte, pledging to continue their support for the former president who is seen by many in Davao City as a figure of discipline, peace, and service.