Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte hailed Dabawenyos for their straight vote for the 12 Senate candidates who were backed by her political party, the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP), a first in this city’s history.
“I have said that I feel alone every day, stressing over making sure Davao City is okay but when I am in distress, Dabawenyos carry me on their backs,” Sara said in her Instagram message.
“When I am in distress, Dabawenyos carry me on their backs.”
“Sa tanan kalisod, baha, bagyo ug kani nga election sa senador wala gyud ko ninyo gibiyaan (In all the challenges, floods, storm and this election for senators, you never left me),” the Presidential daughter said, admitting she was emotional when writing her message.
The mayor was the campaign manager of HNP, the regional party she formed along with the four Davao Region governors – Claude Bautista of Davao Occidental, Jayvee Tyron Uy of Compostela Valley, Anthony del Rosario of Davao del Norte, and Nelson Dayanghirang of Davao Oriental.
She went campaigning with the HNP-backed candidates all throughout the 90-day election period.
Sara said she is humbled by the results of the May 13 elections as she quoted Luke 12:48: “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.”
She admitted to have cried when she learned that Davao City delivered a 12-0 vote for the HNP senatorial bets. “The tears flowed and the sobbing followed,” Sara said.
“The tears flowed and the sobbing followed.”
“Daghang salamat sa inyong tanan (Thank you very much to all of you),” she said, vowing to work harder “until I break.”
In the final election count in Davao City, Dabawenyos voted for Bong Go (533,550); Bato dela Rosa (518,778); Pia Cayetano (448,599); Cynthia Villar (445,757); Francis Tolentino (400,297); Sonny Angara (384,773); Imee Marcos (367,008); JV Ejercito (322,773); Koko Pimentel (297,452); Dong Mangudadatu (297,338); Bong Revilla (239,899); and Jinggoy Estrada (225,217).
In the 13th, 14th and 15th ranks are Grace Poe (207,861); Lito Lapid (172,055); and Jiggy Manicad (166,454), respectively.
Meanwhile, the three Dutertes – Sara for Davao City mayor, Sebastian “Baste” for Davao City vice mayor, and Paolo for the Davao City first district congressional representative, were proclaimed poll winners around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday along with the first district city councilors.
All three were not around and were represented by HNP lawyers Eduardo Legaspina and Warren Leong. Sara garnered 580,440 votes against independent candidate Marcelino Marcellones who got 4,270 votes.
Unopposed for vice mayor, Sebastian got 558,128 votes.
Paolo meanwhile won with 197,370 votes over rivals Susan Uyanguren with 5,135 votes and Rex Labis with 2,124 votes.
In a statement, Paolo thanked the people of the first district for choosing him to be their representative in the House of Representatives.
“I am truly humbled and at the same time, honored by your trust and support to me,” he said.
He also thanked the volunteers, friends, and family for their dedication and hard work during the campaign.
Paolo vowed to be not only the voice and strength of his constituents in the House of Representatives but also a strong supporter of President Rodrigo Duterte in achieving his vision for the country.
On the other hand, the Top 10 party-list groups that received the most votes from Dabawenyos are: PBA (123,211); Dumper PTDA (66,756); Marino (52,242); ACT-CIS (48,962); Duterte Youth (18,526); RAM (12,072); Bayan Muna (9,767); Coop NATCCO (8,858); Senior Citizens (8,845); and 1Pacman (7,040).