Zubiri: Duterte’s goals, desire to serve more important than controversies

Philippines’ president-elect Rodrigo Duterte. AFP FILE PHOTO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Come-backing Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri has urged Filipinos, especially the members of the press, to cut President-elect Rodrigo Duterte some slack, saying the major goals of his presidency are more important than the recent controversies he got into.

“Let us help him (Duterte), although sometimes, he is controversial, let us allow him to serve the way he has served in Davao,” Zubiri said on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters at the oath taking ceremony for some Bukidnon provincial officials, which was held at the Kaamulan Open Theater in Malaybalay City, Zubiri appealed for support to Duterte.

“Let us forgive his (Duterte) shortcomings. At the end of the day, if our government improves, and criminalities and the illegal drug problem are eliminated, and more jobs are created, let’s give him our support,” he said.

Zubiri’s clan had supported Duterte’s presidential bid.

Zubiri’s father, Bukidnon Gov. Jose Maria Zubiri Jr., announced their support for Duterte in April.

The elder Zubiri said Duterte has been a staunch advocate for a federal form of government, which he has been looking for in a presidential candidate.

Senator-elect Juan Miguel Zubiri . INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

“We are supporting him despite the fact the he (Duterte) doesn’t have the machinery or funds—unlike the other candidates,” the governor added.

Malaybalay City Mayor Ignacio Zubiri, the senator’s cousin, also said the 22 Bukidnon mayors had supported Duterte.

Earlier, former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr., Duterte’s ally in the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), also urged the public and the media to give Duterte a chance to prove his worth as president.

“Sometimes, the tongue would slip but he is a lawyer and he knows the law,” Pimentel said, referring to Duterte’s warning to kill criminals.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, who had supported Senator Grace Poe in the presidential race, said Duterte should be given a chance.

“So let’s give him a chance to prove himself that he can really deliver, especially in peace and order,” said Estrada, who has been lamenting that he was never given the chance to prove his worth as president. Estrada was ousted after massive street protests over corruption allegations against him in 2001.  SFM