POLITICIANS were cautioned against using the name and legacy of former President Rodrigo Duterte for their own political gain.

Edward Mendez, former provincial president of PDP-Laban in Cebu, said the Duterte movement was built by ordinary people who believed in his leadership, not by politicians who are now trying to attach themselves to his popularity.

“Sa wala pay politiko nga nisakay sa 2016, kami to ang mitikaw-tikaw, nanghayo sa mga tawo nga botaran siya. Core group gyud mi sa mga tawo nga gatrabaho pa sa 2016,” Mendez said in a press conference on Wednesday, March 26.

He criticized the growing trend of political figures leveraging Duterte’s name for personal advantage, particularly ahead of the upcoming elections.

“Ang challenge man gud, daghan unta musupporta sa kausa niya [PRRD], pero ang usa na gane ka politiko motung-tong na sa entablado unya mangampanya na sa iyang political interest, malubog man gud ang kausa. Mao na gusto nato ipaabot—pwede mo mo-join sa mga kalihokan pero being as a Filipino citizen, not as a politician,” he said.

He warned that it could alienate genuine supporters.

Mendez cited a recent gathering at Plaza Independencia in Cebu, where he observed that many attendees left after realizing the event was being politicized.

“Kining ako ingon, feedback ni sa nahitabo sa Plaza Independencia. I was there being an ordinary citizen. Daghan unta mokuyog, pero gisakyan ug politiko, so ning lakat na ang uban,” he said.

Mendez was referring to the March 15 Unity Walk to Plaza Independencia, led by Cebu gubernatorial candidate Pam Baricuatro and former Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.

He also questioned the loyalty of some local officials, particularly Mike Rama, who is now associated with Duterte’s camp but was not visibly supportive in 2016.

“I remember amo mana gitrabaho ang mga politiko in 2016 na mutabang ni Digong. Amo pa gane gi-team up sauna—Duterte-Rama campaign. Duterte amo presidente, Rama among mayor. Unsa may nahitabo? Gipanglangkat ang mga poster sauna, gipamutangan ug Binay kay ‘Binay country’ kuno,” he recalled.

Rama, who was seeking reelection in 2016, supported Jejomar Binay’s presidential bid.

However, Rama lost to former Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

Mendez, who no longer holds a position in PDP-Laban, said he and other early Duterte supporters felt sidelined after traditional politicians took over the movement post-election.

“Kami nga mga leaders, need namo i-fill in ang positions kay walay mudawat sa position. Gihangyo ra ko, so gidawat nako. Paghuman sa election, giilisan mi ug politicians,” he said.

With an event set for March 28 for the former president’ birthday, Mendez urged organizers to ensure that the gathering remains focused on the former president’s cause rather than being used for political maneuvering.

“If maghimo kag activity this March 28 to bring back PRRD home, ayaw na sumpayi,” he warned.(TGP)

• Tags
• #Rodrigo Duterte
• #Edward Mendez
• #PDP-Laban