Ex-President Duterte snubs Datu Bago awards

Source: MindaNews

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 14 March) -- Former President Rodrigo Duterte and his family snubbed this year's Datu Bago awards ceremony Wednesday evening.

Duterte, the lone Datu Bago awardee this year, had not appeared during the event in Arcadia Event Center here. He was represented by Davao City Vice Mayor Jesus Melchor Quitain Jr., the son of Duterte's former chief Presidential Legal Counsel, Jesus Melchor Quitain Sr.

"On behalf of our fellow Dabawenyos, it is with great pride and joy to bestow the city's highest honor to former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Your stewardship as a Davao City Mayor for 22 years exemplifies decisive leadership, and transformative governance," Quitain said, reading the message that Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, the former president's son, intended for the event.

City Councilor Pilar Braga, who also chairs the Datu Bago Awards Organization (DBAO), earlier said the former president was sent an invitation for him and his family to attend the ceremony.

"[Former President Duterte] really wanted to come, but something happened. It's something about his friend, so he has to be there," Braga told reporters at the sidelines of the awarding ceremony. The city councilor however did not reveal which friend Duterte had to attend to to excuse himself from the ceremony.

The former president, together with her daughter, Vice President Sara, appeared at Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy supporters' prayer rally dubbed "Laban Kasama Ang Bayan (LKAB)" at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on Tuesday.

Quiboloy has been cited contempt for not appearing in a Senate hearing for his alleged abuses to some of the members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC).

"We're a bit disappointed [that former President Duterte is not around]. But more than that, what is important is the award. Whether he's around or not, the award is for him," Braga added.

She added that there had been five other nominations for this year, but they will be in consideration for next year's award.

The Datu Bago Award, the highest honor given by the City Government of Davao, recognizes individuals who have demonstrated "exemplary leadership, outstanding service, and significant contributions to the welfare and advancement of the people of Davao City." (Ian Carl Espinosa / MindaNews)