Duterte supporter resorts to prayer

by Chito A. Fuentes

With the clock ticking, a believer of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has turned to prayer in what could be the final push for his candidacy in the 2016 presidential elections.

Posting the event on her Facebook page, Joanna Allas-Fojas is calling for a “worldwide prayer and light vigil for the Philippines” on Nov. 29.

According to Fojas, it is “a prayer for (Duterte) and for the immediate transformation of the Philippines.”

Those who want to join in can do so in their respective homes from 6-8 pm on that day, she added.

Fojas, who describes herself in her postings as a fashion designer who is based in the United States, is a member of different groups urging Duterte to run.

While resorting to prayer may be interpreted as desperate move, this is not new to Duterte supporters who come from diverse religious backgrounds.

In a recent meeting of top-level volunteers, one of those who attended said prayer should be even more a priority now.

“If prayer can move mountains, then let us storm the gates of heaven,” he pointed out to emphasize the role of prayer in the clamor.         

Duterte has consistently resisted calls for him to throw his hat into the political ring and filed his certificate of candidacy for mayor in Davao City last Oct. 15.

While the deadline expired the next day, all is not exactly lost as PDP-Laban bet Martin Dino withdrew his bid in favor of Duterte.

The mayor, however, has not accepted the offer to substitute for Dino but supporters continue to hold on to a glimmer of hope.  

Duterte recently said he might change his mind about the 2016 presidential race if the administration will not be able to solve the tanim-bala extortion scam at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

In a media interview, Duterte pointed out that the deadline for substitution is Dec. 10.

“Why don’t you just wait for December? Kung sisipot ako sa Manila sa Dec. 10, I will file my certificate of candidacy,” he snapped.

Duterte just gave his supporters and believers more reason to pray harder. (CHITO A. FUENTES)