Duterte thanks Negros supporters, assures help as private citizen

BACOLOD CITY — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday thanked his supporters in Negros Occidental for their support and trust in him, and pledged to help those in need of help in whatever way he can even if he is no longer in office.

Duterte spoke before his supporters at Villa Olivia owned by the Yanson family, the owners of the biggest bus company in the country, at a private gathering in Barangay Bubog, Talisay City, Negros Occidental, Thursday night, May 26.

The Yanson matriarch Olivia Yanson, with her son Leo Rey Yanson and daughter Ginnette Yanson Dumancas, hosted the party to thank the President for his service to the country, said former Bacolod councilor Bobby Rojas, a family friend.

Rojas said there were two events — a program where the President spoke before about 500 supporters and a private dinner with friends.

Duterte said his visit would be his last as president, as he would step down on June 30.

He also thanked those present for their support of his daughter, Sara Duterte, who won the vice presidency in the May 9 polls.

He outlined the gains in his campaign against drugs and corruption but said more work still needs to be done, Rojas said.

Duterte then cited his efforts to cleanse Immigration of corrupt officials and personnel, the resignation of six Cabinet members for links to corruption, and the shutting down of “e-sabong.”

The President also said he went after drug lords during his presidency to protect the youth and for the future generations of Filipinos, not for himself.

Duterte added that even if he was no longer president, they should feel free to contact him if they had problems so he could help in whatever way he can, Rojas said.

The President also thanked the Yanson family for their support.

Leo Rey Yanson assured Duterte that he would always have a family in Negros, Rojas added.