MANILA — Davao City Mayor and presidential daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio on Monday led the launch of an alliance meant to combat “destructive politicking” in the Philippines which she said has turned Filipinos against each other.
Tapang at Malasakit Alliance for the Philippines is an umbrella organization of all groups who supported Rodrigo Duterte when he ran for President and pledged to be unrelenting even after he was installed as the 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines.
The launching was held at Marquis Events Place BGC 34th Street, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
In her speech, Duterte-Carpio urged the public to rally their support for the Duterte administration and “stand together” for the country.
“We should all rally behind our government and focus on the task of turning our country into a globally competitive player in the ASEAN region,” Duterte-Carpio said.
Duterte-Carpio said the new alliance was formed as “carriers of positive voice in our communities.”
Duterte-Carpio said that she took the initiative to remind Filipinos of their commitment to be “partners for change” as Filipinos seem to be forgetting this.
She said that it was “very bad” for critics “to paint a sad and hopeless Philippines” outside the country.
“I believe in dissent because it is a facet of democracy but it’s a different matter if you lie just to oppose,” Duterte-Carpio said.
In a press conference after the launch, she explained that aside from fighting destructive politicking, the alliance will also be meeting to segregate its members and assign them with tasks to help solve particular problems in their communities.
“What we are trying to say is that we come together for our country and not go against each other. If you don’t want to work with us, let’s just be positive,” Duterte-Carpio said.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Karen Jimeno, in a separate press conference, clarified that the group is not the administration’s answer to the opposition’s Tindig Pilipinas but simply an alliance against “destructive politicking.”
“This has nothing to do with any other organizations. In fact, they can be part of this alliance against destructive politicking,” Jimeno said.
“Timing is irrelevant when it comes to having an alliance. This is apolitical. There are no political alliances. Let’s agree that there are things (in this country) that need to be improved,” she added.
Jimeno said that the main purpose of the alliance is for Filipinos, regardless of political alliance, to “help improve the country.”
“This is about supporting the reforms that will help the country. We have to respect who the majority voted for. We really have to work together. We don’t want to see a divide,” she added.
Jimeno stressed that politicking is preventing the country from moving forward and addressing the real problems including terrorism, poverty, and traffic.
She said that the funds for the launch including fees for the venue were shouldered by supporters of the alliance.
“Majority of those who contributed (to the funds) are supporters of the alliance. We did not ask from anyone. We did not use taxpayer’s money,” Jimeno said.
Among the key personalities who graced the event include Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, former President and now Manila City Mayor Joseph Estrada, and Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella, among others.
Around 800 attendees gathered at the launching, while some 300 people, who can no longer be accommodated inside the building, watched the event through live telecast at a white huge tent outside.
The attendees were allowed to take some photo opportunities, such as selfie and group photos, with the presidential daughter. (PNA)
