DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Monday led the launching of “Tapang at Malasakit Alliance for the Philippines” consisting of groups that supported her father, President Rodrigo Duterte, during the 2016 presidential elections.
The alliance aims to heal the political divide during the elections, Duterte-Carpio said at the launching held at the Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City.
Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said Duterte-Carpio was “simply gathering all the forces, all the people towards more engagement in nation-building.”
He said it was contrary to the claims Tapang at Malasakit was a response to the alleged destabilization plot against the administration.
Abella said the launching of the alliance was not a show of force by the administration or part of preparations for the 2019 elections.
Among those who joined the launch were Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and his wife Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino.
Hundreds of Duterte supporters wearing red shirts gathered at the Marquis Events Place to support the alliance.
“Within a year of the Duterte administration, we have seen significant reforms and accomplishments that can have a tremendous impact on the lives of the Filipinos, especially the poor,” said the alliance’s statement read by Public Works Undersecretary Karen Jimeno.
“For instance, the administration’s social development policy includes free education program in state universities and colleges.
“The President has also ordered the swift rehabilitation of the Typhoon Yolanda-affected areas, to address traffic problems and increase connectivity. The administration has also embarked on an ambitious Build Build Build program to construct subway and railway systems.”
The alliance also highlighted the liberation of Marawi City from terrorists, saying the killing of terrorist leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute “exhibited the strong and decisive leadership” of the President despite “numerous challenges.”
“We enjoin all Filipinos to help the government succeed in its plans to improve the country. Let us not be distracted by the noise created by clashing political interests. We support freedom of speech and expression, but we need to recognize the difference between constructive criticisms and destructive politicking,” the alliance said.