MAYORAL candidate Jose Gabriel "Pompee" La Viña over the weekend claimed President Rodrigo Duterte has raised his hand as an endorsement to his mayoral bid in the May elections, during Duterte's visit in Cagayan de Oro City Friday, January 25.

Duterte was in the city to grace the fourth Roa clan grand reunion at the Limketkai atrium. Duterte also met with several village chiefs at a hotel here after the event.

La Viña was among those who welcomed the president when he arrived at the venue.

"Pag-abot niya ingon siya nga ihurar ko niya. I was not sure what he meant and he said "itaas nako imong kamot unya,"La Viña said quoting the president as saying.

La Viña said the endorsement took place at the hallway on their way out after the reunion. He said the photo was taken by the official photographer from Malacañang.

He said the President's endorsement has long been promised, which was also the reason why he is running against Mayor Oscar Moreno.

"I did not expect it would happen that night though it was long been promised kay di man ko modagan kung wala ko giingnan niya nga iya ko i-endorse," La Viña said.

The opposition bet believed that the endorsement would translate into more votes for him to win the election.

La Viña said there are solid Duterte supporters in the city who are just waiting for the president to endorse the candidate whom he will support in the May polls.

"Definitely more votes para sa ato kay majority of the Kagay-anon will choose the mayor nga gi-endorse ni Duterte," La Viña said.

"The endorsement sends a message that we cannot have a mayor with 76 cases," he added.

La Viña also said he was told that during the meeting with the barangay captains, the president reiterated his words not to pick a mayor that is corrupt.

"Akong nadunggan sa mga kapitan nga mitambong didto nga gibalik-balik sa presidente nga ayaw mo anang corrupt," La Viña said.