Duterte political ad: Ganito kami sa Davao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Is Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte really not running for president? A 34-second political advertisement – leaked on Facebook on Thursday, May 28 – is saying the opposite. 

The video, due for official release in Metro Manila on Friday, was uploaded on the Rody Duterte Supporters OFW Worldwide page, adds to the growing list of indications that the tough-talking mayor, contrary to what he’s saying, is not retiring from politics in 2016.

The message of the new political ad is similar to the line adopted by Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay when he ran for and won as vice president in 2010: this is how the city progressed under me, we can do this all over the Philippines.

Earlier this week, Duterte’s camp released radio ads in different Bisaya-speaking cities. (READ: ‘Old and tired’ for national post? Duterte releases radio ads)

Motorcycle-riding mayor

The establishing shot of the video shows Duterte riding around Davao City in his big motorcycle. As the video continued, Duterte is seen talking with his constituents. along with a montage of several shots showing social services and infrastructure developments in the city.

The video also boasted about Davao as the 9th safest city in the world. 

Duterte, doing the voice over, shares about the secret of Davao’s security and progress – disciple, determination, courage, and love. 

He ends the video with a promise that the safety and fast-paced development in the city can also happen all over the country. 

“Hindi na sekreto kung paano umunlad ang Davao. Kailangan lang ng konting tapang. Tapang para ituwid ang mapagsamantala, lumalabag sa batas, at nangaapi sa walang laban. May katahimikan sa Davao. Kailangan lang ng disiplina at determinasyon. Dumami ang trabaho, nakapag-aral ang mga bata, sumaya ang bawat pamilya. P’wedeng magkaganito ang buong Pilipinas. Kailangan lang ng tapang at malasakit,” Duterte sais in the video. 

(It’s no secret how Davao achieved progress. A little courage is needed. Courage to put in place those who take advantage of others, those who break the law, those who oppress. It’s peaceful in Davao. You just need to instill discipline and determination. More people found employment, children were sent to school, every family became happy. This can happen in the entire Philippines too. We just need courage and empathy.) 

Netizens’ reception

Facebook user Lany Go said she was teary-eyed after watching the video, which made her miss her family and Davao City.

“Kahit short lang ang video ramdam mo kung gaano kaganda ang Davao City,” Go posted. (Even if the video is short, it makes you feel how beautiful Davao City is.)

Jehan Ohiman said the video is fit for a presidential campaign.

“OMG. Parang pang campaign for president ang video. Makapanindig balahibo at nakakaiyak sa galak,” Ohiman said. (The video is good enough for a presidential campaign. It gives me goosebumps, and makes me cry tears of joy.) – Rappler.com