‘Bishop Rod’ versus Digong in Davao mayoral race

National

A CONTROVERSIAL preacher will stand in the way of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s bid to return as mayor of Davao City.

Rodolfo “Bishop Rod” Cubos of Christ the Healer International Missions Movement (CTHIMM), who warned the public against the COVID-19 vaccine during the pandemic, is the first one to challenge the supremacy of the Dutertes in the mayoral race in Davao City.

He filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) on October 5 before the Commission on Elections (Comelec), with his supporters wearing violet during their gathering at Magsaysay Park.

Running as an independent candidate, Cubos will try to depose the seasoned politicians in Davao with a campaign promise of “bag-ong Davao.”

He said many people are left behind and are calling for a real change. Though it seems impossible to go against seasoned politicians, he believed he could succeed with his intention to bring change to Davao.

“I have served as a bishop, as a servant of God, and as a leader. In our faith and community, we provide true service to the Davaoeños,” he said to members of the press at the sideline of his COC filing.

Cubos became known during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 when he criticized the COVID-19 vaccine, warning the public of a zombie apocalypse. He said the vaccine posed a physical and spiritual danger to people.

On other hand, Duterte filed his COC on Monday afternoon, October 7. Duterte was the mayor of Davao for many years before becoming President in 2016.

The Duterte patriarch also revealed his son, incumbent Davao Mayor Sebastian Duterte, will be his running mate.

The former president said he could no longer afford to run for a national post because of his age and health, considering that a national campaign requires more travel and physical movement.(LAO)