Davao taxi driver sounds exactly like Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — A video of a taxi driver in Davao City went viral online last week for his spot-on imitation of President Duterte speaking.

“Pag sinabi ko gawin ko, gawin ko talaga,” taxi driver Elcias Bugsad said in perfect imitation of Duterte, to the amusement of his passenger Rachelle Dequina.

“When I say stop, that is S-T-O-P. You must stop. Or else magkagulo talaga,” he continued.

Bugsad went on for over eight minutes, delivering a torrent of remarks reminiscent of the President.

“Masakit ang dibdib ko mag-isip ng problema ng bansa natin. Basta ako I will do my best, I will perform my duty that stood upon my shoulder. To protect and to tell the Filipino people if they are in danger. That is my duty,” he said.

“Corruption, even ilang milyon pa yan ilagay mo sa harap ko, ilang maleta pa yan, hindi ako masilaw dyan. Ang problema ko ‘pag magandang babae sa harapan ko, masilaw man ako. That is my weakness,” added the taxi driver.

Since Dequina posted the video on Facebook last Friday, it has been viewed over nine million times. It has also gathered over 184,000 reactions, 117,000 shares and 26,000 comments.

She said Bugsad started imitating Duterte when she asked about the calibration of the taxi meter during their trip on Thursday night.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said he was delighted by Bugsad’s imitation of the President.

“I really like him (Bugsad) and he provides entertainment and inspiration to our countrymen,” Roque said.

According to ABS-CBN News, Bugsad worked in Saudi Arabia and Qatar as a company driver before he started driving a taxi in Davao City 10 years ago.

He said he started imitating Duterte, a long-time mayor of Davao City before his election as President, back when he still appeared on his local program Gikan sa Masa Para sa Masa.

It was not the first time that a taxi driver has gone viral on social media because of the President.

A photo of Ponciano Veronas, who is also from Davao, went viral last year after a netizen posted his image that showed an uncanny resemblance to the President.

Incidentally, Duterte is known for driving a taxi in Davao City back when he was still mayor.