PRESIDENT-elect Rodrigo Duterte was in Cebu Wednesday night for two thanksgiving parties organized by his Cebuano leaders and supporters.
Close to 300 guests filled the function hall of the Cebu Country Club in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City.
The event, which started around 6 p.m., also caused traffic congestion on Banilad-Talamban Road, where the venue is located.
Almost two hours after the program started, Duterte arrived at the venue.
Organizers strictly implemented a no-selfie policy, so as not to hamper the flow of the event.
Those who didn't have invitations were also not allowed to enter the venue.
Michael Dino, his presidential assistant for the Visayas, gave the opening speech and said that the Cebuano people were fortunate to have Duterte for that night.
He also presented video clips that showed Duterte's journey in his campaign here in Cebu along with the Bisaya Napud Movement, the group of volunteers who helped the incoming president in his candidacy.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who was the running-mate of Duterte, was also present last night and recognized the individuals and groups who supported them in the last election.
He also recognized former Cebu governor Lito Osmeña, whom he credited for pushing for federalism in Cebu.
"I may have lost the battle but we won the war with Mayor Duterte," Cayetano said.
Idol
Duterte's son, Baste, also gave his message to the guests.
Baste shared a short story about one of his conversations with his father before.
He said he was once asked by his father about whom he idolized and he answered it was Michael Jordan.
"Pero karon, ikaw na akong idol, Pa," he said.
When he started his speech, Duterte thanked all the Cebuanos who voted for him.
"Salamat for coming here to share the moment with me," he said.
Before he continued, Duterte informed the crowd inside the venue that he would be going outside to personally thank the people who were outside waiting for him.
"Naluoy ko sa mga tawo sa gawas, I was trying to argue with my PSG (Presidential Security Group) that I need to be outside. But I also understand them, they said their order does not come from me but it came from our mandate. But I really felt awkward nga di nako sila maistorya, magpasalamat lang ko nila (that I can't talk to them, I want to thank them)," he said.
Plans
In his more than 45-minute speech, Duterte reiterated his plan to continue battling corruption and illegal drugs.
"I promise to you that I will stop corruption and it will stop," he stressed.
"I have to protect everybody and see to it that our children are protected." he added.
Immediately after his speech, Duterte granted a photo opportunity to those who were inside the venue.
Also present last night were Bong Go and Martin Andanar.
Duterte went outside to fulfill his promise to personally thank those who were outside, including the members of the media who were not allowed inside the venue.
"Akong gipasalig ninyo nga ipadayon nako akong saad (I assure you that I will pursue my promises)," he said.
After that, he proceeded to another thanksgiving event in Adnama at the North Reclamation Area in Mandaue City.