Bongbong writes poem for Duterte's birthday

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., a vice presidential candidate, wrote a birthday poem for presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte, who is not his running mate.

On Monday, the day Duterte celebrated his 71st birthday, Marcos posted on his Facebook account a poem dedicated to the strongman from the south.

Marcos is the running mate of presidential candidate Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, while Duterte is running alongside Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.

Political advocacy groups Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA), Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, Partido ng Manggagawa at Magsasaka and some camps from Ilocos are pushing for a Duterte-Marcos tandem despite the two being in seemingly opposing alliances for the national elections.

In February, PBA even launched an “Alyansang DUterte-Bongbong” campaign or ALDUB, a pun on the popular kalyeserye segment of noontime show Eat Bulaga.

READ: Group pushing Duterte-Marcos tandem 

In September last year, Marcos admitted that he is having talks on a possible team up with Duterte's camp. He also said he is open to work with the mayor if he wins and expressed support for the Mayor’s bid. However, Duterte delayed announcing his intention to run for president, and filing his certificate of candidacy beyond deadline.

Earlier this year, Duterte said that if elected president and failed to fulfill his vow to stop criminality in three months, he will resign and let Marcos take over. The mayor added that he has a bond with Marcos since Duterte’s father served as the secretary of general services during the term of the late President Ferdinand Marcos.

Meanwhile, Duterte’s party, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan issued orders for its members to support Duterte and his chosen vice presidential candidate, Cayetano.

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