Davao homeless told they can stay in city council building

DAVAO CITY—The homeless of this city were told not to look too far for shelter and stay at a building that houses the city council while in search of a place to stay.

“If you don’t have a house, go live in the city council building,” said Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, at a rally of some 2,000 people expressing support for Mayor Sara Duterte.

Sara is being investigated for beating up a court sheriff who was enforcing an order to demolish a slum community.

“Just don’t mind us when we’re in session,” said Rodrigo.

The demolition that led to the scandal between Sara and the sheriff was ordered by Regional Trial Court Judge Emmanuel Carpio.

Rodrigo defended his daughter, saying she did right. The demolition was turning ugly when angry residents put up a fight, some firing slingshots and home-made arrows. One policeman was hit in the buttock by an arrow.

Davao Executive Judge Isaac Robillo said the sheriff, Abe Andres, should have waited for 30 days before enforcing Carpio’s demolition order.

Rodrigo said the assault by his daughter on Andres simply showed “this government is for the helpless and the defenseless.”

The people of Davao, including the business sector, also found Sara’s controversial action justifiable.

“What Inday (Sara Duterte) showed was the highest form of governance,” said Sebastian Angliongto, business representative who came to the rally.

Even Filipino-Chinese businessmen, who normally shun demonstrations, rallied behind Sara.

Amid chants of “Inday Sara,” placard-bearing rally participants said they were backing her without any condition. Dennis Santos, Inquirer Mindanao