Duterte graces Hugpong’s thanksgiving party

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte attended on Monday night the thanksgiving party of Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP), the regional party of his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

READ: Final, official count: Villar 1st, Binay 12th in Senate race

Duterte arrived at the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City around 8:40 p.m. and was welcomed by the party’s attendees, who are either supporters or allies of his administration.

After attending the premiere night of movie "Kontradiskyon", President Duterte arrives at HNP's thanksgiving party. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/ff4CFpY4M1

— Darryl John Esguerra (@drrylesguerra) June 24, 2019

Throughout the three-month campaign, HNP visited vote-rich areas across the country to woo voters and vow support for the legislative priorities of Duterte.

HNP, although a regional party, supported 13 pro-administration senatorial candidates, nine of whom emerged victorious in the May 13 elections.

Duterte-Carpio, who left her duties as Davao City mayor to campaign for the candidates, has repeatedly downplayed rumors that HNP is aspiring to become a national political party that would support her possible presidential bid in 2022.

Some of the notable attendees in the party were former President and now outgoing House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and outgoing Davao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Antonio Floirendo, who was Duterte’s top donor in the 2016 presidential elections.

Upon his arrival, Duterte sang “Wind Beneath My Wings” and his favorite song “Ikaw.” (Editor: Eden Estopace)

WATCH: President Duterte sings "Wind beneath my wings" at HNP's thanksgiving. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/KqYOmJ7bHX

— Darryl John Esguerra (@drrylesguerra) June 24, 2019