Laguna solon says he can do what Duterte did in Davao City in less time

A Laguna congressman on Tuesday belittled Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte's accomplishments in making the city one of the country's reputedly safest cities.

Laguna Representative Dan Fernandez, a former vice governor of the province, said Duterte’s role in transforming Davao City was “overrated.”

He said he could do what the feisty mayor had done for Davao City in 10 years given the chance.

Duterte had served in various positions in the local government for almost two decades.

“Bigyan mo ako ng kalahati lang ng term niya— 10 taon—dodoblehin ko ang nangyari sa Davao City," Fernandez said.

"Gumanda ang Davao not because of him [pero] dahil binigyan natin siya ng mahabang panahon para maglingkod sa Davao City,” he added.

Fernandez, a supporter of administration standard-bearer Mar Roxas, cast doubt on Duterte’s eligibility to run for president even as other allies of administration standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II believe the mayor’s possible candidacy would have minimal impact on the bid of President Aquino's anointed.

“I am sure kapag in-allow ng Comelec [na tumakbo si Duterte]... baka lahat na lang ng tao ganoon ang gawin and then you will just choose the right time para tumakbo ka as a substitute,” Fernandez said.

 

The lawmaker believes the candidacy for elective positions— more so the presidency—should not be taken lightly.

 

“I think hindi naman tayo nandito para magpabebe na tipo bang lagi na lamang titingnan natin iyong aksyon niya na lagi tayo sa huli magfa-file.  I think this is not right,” he said.

 

Senator Alan Cayetano, the vice presidential bet staunchly supporting Duterte, said he was at a loss how come candidates with questionable citizenship could run in the elections while those like Duterte would be kept from doing so.

 

"Kung pipigilan siya it will really be the handiwork ng mga kalaban niya both sa peace and order and mga political parties. Dun nga kami nagtataka. 'Yung natural born na papeles, naayos, samantalang sa walang legal question, biglang may lumalabas ngayon na hindi siya puwedeng tumakbo," Cayetano said.

 

Although Duterte’s possible foray into the presidential race would make the contest more crowded, Roxas’ allies in Congress believe it would hardly put a dent on the administration standard bearer’s candidacy.

 

Camiguin Rep. Xavier Jesus Romualdo said Duterte’s possible influence on other presidential contenders had been factored into previous surveys.

 

“He’s always been treated as a candidate even before.  So ngayon na nag-declare  na siya, I don’t think may major changes naman. Iyong issue ng Mindanaoans— whether may magsi-shift ng support— sa tingin namin hindi talaga, kasi, for me hindi naman kami regionalistic,” he said. — ELR/NB GMA News