| Aziz Idris |
PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Roa Duterte met with over 4,000 Filipinos at the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas last night, making it the largest gathering with a Philippine leader in Brunei to date.
Supporters came as early as noon yesterday to secure their entry into the venue, which was filled with ushers, marshals, security personnel and officials to ensure smooth flow of people.
The president received a warm welcome from the strong turn-out of Filipinos who gave him a standing ovation, with dozens waving miniature Philippines flags, collectively chanting “Du-ter-te” as the president headed to the podium.
The crowd, some donning customised T-shirts with the president’s signature hashtag #DU30, remained enthusiastic throughout the meeting, cheering and at times, bursting into laughing, in response to the president’s comical yet motivational speech, proving that he is the ‘man-of-the-people.’
After introducing members of his office, the president took the opportunity to thank His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for providing a venue for the Filipino Community Meeting.
He lauded His Majesty for “taking care” of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the Sultanate, noting, “I’d like to thank the Sultan of Brunei for hosting the Filipinos in the country and treating them with kindness. Please accept our sincere gratitude. We will not forget that.”
Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech (pic above) and supporters greeting the president (pic below).
President Duterte, who was Davao’s mayor before assuming the presidency in June, has walked a tightrope in trying to mend several key issues that the Philippines has endured for decades.
The president, who has been under international pressure from human rights advocates, discussed his controversial drug war that has plagued society.
According to a recent study obtained by the Presidential Communication Operation Office, illegal drugs have greatly affected the Filipino society, destroying lives and families. The office revealed significant reductions in crime rates related to drug abuse.
He also highlighted steps taken to tackle poverty issues in the Philippines, before underlining the strategies that will hopefully bring about peace and development to the nation.
The president’s concluded his speech by reiterating his promise that he will stake all that he has – his honour, life, and presidency – to fight for a clean government.
Earlier, the president together with the audience were serenaded by the power vocals of the Homes Sisters, Sheena and Sheila winners of the World Championship of Performing Arts from Team Philippines.
President Duterte, here on a three-day state visit, will be accorded an official welcome today at the Istana Nurul Iman before an audience and bilateral meeting with His Majesty.
A state banquet will be held tomorrow evening.
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