On the air soon: Rody uncensored

DAVAO CITY—Soon, President-elect Rodrigo Duterte would be within reach, not only by his fellow Davaoeños but also by the rest of his countrymen.

That is, if plans push through to bring his weekly television program “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” (From the Masses, for the Masses), which is aired on a local ABS-CBN channel in Davao, nationwide.

Television anchor Martin Andanar, who was named head of the Presidential Communications Operations Office, on Saturday disclosed plans of the Duterte camp to continue the mayor’s Sunday TV program after he assumes office next month.

Andanar said he had initial talks with Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco and Duterte’s executive assistant Christopher Go about the plan.

“We still have to talk again because everything  needs the approval of the President,” he said.

“Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” stopped airing when Duterte announced that he was running for President.

Policies, local issues

The hourlong program discussed his policies and local issues and served as a venue for warning erring public officials and policemen.

Duterte also used the program to caution criminals, especially drug traffickers.

The program was pretaped, with Duterte’s expletives bleeped during the 9 a.m. airing.

Andanar could not say if Duterte’s program would be aired live, considering that the incoming President is known for his foul mouth.

“We’ll see,” he said.

He also said that instead of Cebuano, which was the language used by Duterte on the program, the incoming President might be speaking in Filipino and English since he will be having a national audience. Nico Alconaba, Inquirer Mindanao