Duterte jokes: I should have used Villar’s ‘Sipag at Tiyaga’ instead of ‘DDS’

MANILA, Philippines —President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he should have used former senator Manny Villar’s famous slogan “Sipag at Tiyaga” instead of “DDS” during the 2016 presidential elections.

“His (Villar) sipag at tiyaga— dapat ito sana ang ginamit ko sipag at tiyaga— nagkamali kasi ang mga PR (public relations team) ko, DDS, Davao Death Squad,” Duterte said in jest in his speech at the birthday celebration of the former Senate President in Las Piñas City.

(I should have used his ‘Sipag at Tiyaga.’  My PR team made a mistake — DDS, Davao Death Squad)

Villar ran for President in 2010 with the campaign battle cry “Sipag at Tiyaga.” He was beaten by Duterte’s predecessor, former President Benigno Aquino III.

In the same speech, Duterte commended Villar for his “meaningful contributions to our nation’s overall advancement.”

“Senator Villar is truly an epitome of diligence and hard work. Coming from a poor family, Senator Villar used his hardships as an inspiration to push through and persevere,” Duterte said.

“I recognize his admirable determination to become what he is today despite his humble beginnings. Nakakatuwa talaga ang istorya niya (His story is inspiring),” he added.

Villar entered politics in 1992 when he was elected Congressman representing the district of Las Piñas-Muntinlupa. He later became Speaker of the House of Representatives.

In 2001, he was elected Senator. He served as Senate President from 2006 to 2008 before running in the 2010 presidential elections. /ee