Thousands join pro-Duterte rally: Local PDP members cry discrimination

CEBU, Philippines — PDP-Laban Cebu gubernatorial candidate Pamela Baricuatro has cried discrimination at the Cebu People’s Indignation Rally, claiming they were not allowed to speak despite the presence of other political figures prompting local party members to skip the rally last night.

“PDP-Laban is not joining. We are discriminated against in our own place! We are not allowed to speak—kami ni Mike, Paz, and Bingo. Hindi daw political, but Vic is there. Isn’t he a politician?” Baricuatro stated.

She later changed her mind and went ahead to attend the rally to meet her supporters.

One of the event's convenors, Atty. Irene Caballes, refuted these claims, asserting that invitations were extended to all concerned parties along with a copy of the program.

“No other local candidate is speaking. Only Mayor Jonas (Cortes) since Mandaue City is the host city, and as host, it's the mayor who will introduce the former president,” Caballes explained. She further noted that last year’s rally allowed only former Cebu City mayor Michael Rama to speak, with no other local officials taking the stage.

Despite the controversy, thousands of supporters gathered at Pasilong sa Paraiso last night for the Cebu People’s Indignation Rally, a show of force for backers of former president Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte. Attendees voiced their discontent over recent political developments while chanting “Duterte!” throughout the event.

Organized by Hakbang ng Maisug-Cebu, the rally began with a pre-program at 4:30 PM, featuring live band performances. The former president was expected to arrive at around 9 PM to address the crowd.

PDP-Laban senatorial candidates Atty. Jimmy Bondoc and Atty. Vic Rodriguez, along with Representative Rodante Marcoleta, were among the early arrivals. The rally was expected to draw between 20,000 and 40,000 attendees.

Attendees interviewed by The Freeman expressed their support for Duterte and his family.

“Nitambong gyud mi sa rally kay gimingaw na mi ni Tatay Digong unya wala sad mi nakauyon nganong ipa-impeach nila si Sara. Mao nga naa gyud mi diri para support sa mga Duterte. Niari mi diri sa among kabubut-on. Wala mi bayri para moari,” said a fish vendor from Danao City, who requested anonymity.

At a separate press conference, Rodriguez criticized the Marcos administration, claiming that the impeachment proceedings were merely a distraction from the controversial 2025 General Appropriations Act. Bondoc, meanwhile, slammed the impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte, calling it a "budol impeachment" and warning that the country was in a dire state.

Senator Imee Marcos, who was present at the 64th birthday celebration of shipping magnate Chester Cokaliong alongside Senator Nancy Binay, confirmed that she would not be attending the rally.

“Hindi ako pupunta sa rally, ayoko lang nang gulo,” Marcos stated, despite running as an independent senatorial candidate.

As of press time, former Cebu City mayor Michael Rama was still at Cokaliong’s celebration but confirmed his intent to attend the rally later in the evening.

“The birthday of Chester takes precedence. But after here, I will go to the rally. Naa baya ang president (Duterte),” Rama said at 7:30 PM.

The Cebu People’s Indignation Rally served as a platform for supporters to air grievances and reaffirm their loyalty to the Duterte family, amid ongoing political controversies and power struggles in the country. (CEBU NEWS)