Former president Rodrigo Duterte appealed to his Davao City supporters to stay loyal to the Duterte family, emphasizing that their leadership had always prioritized the community’s best interests.

Speaking to a large crowd at the “Pahalipay sa Pasko” gift-giving event at his family’s ancestral home on Christmas Day, Duterte said in Bisaya, “Don’t abandon the Dutertes because the Dutertes have not forsaken you.”

“We have not wronged you. We did not steal people’s money. We only worked for our community,” he said.

He highlighted Davao’s transformation, attributing much of its development to his long tenure in public service.

“It is here in Davao where I started my political career,” Duterte recalled. “Your support extended even to my children: Sebastian, Inday (Sara), and Pulong (Paolo).”

Reflecting on his time in office as mayor, vice mayor, congressman, and president, Duterte pointed to the Davao City coastal bypass road as one of his key accomplishments. “I have never forgotten your interests,” he said.

Duterte also reminded the crowd of his 2025 mayoral bid, running alongside his son Sebastian. He assured supporters that if both were elected, leadership would remain in Duterte hands, even if something were to happen to him.

The Duterte family has led Davao since 1988, except for a brief period from 1998 to 2001. Duterte’s message was clear: his family’s leadership has been central to Davao’s success and should continue into the future.