Ex-Pres. Duterte's supporters attend leaders' forum in Davao City

Local government officials and supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday gathered to attend a leaders’ forum in Davao City ahead of a prayer rally that will be held against the signature campaign to push for Charter change.

Among those who attended the “Hakbang ng Maisug” forum were former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, former Cabinet Secretary Leoncio “Jun” Evasco Jr., and former Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez, based on a report of Rgil Relator of GMA Regional TV One Mindanao on Super Radyo dzBB.

Rodriguez told GMA News Online that he was invited to be part of the leader’s forum. 

He also voiced out his sentiment against the people’s initiative pushing for the amendment of the 1987 Constitution.

“I’m here as a Filipino exercising my right to speak freely and oppose any attempt to amend or revise the fundamental law through unconstitutional means and processes via a fake, despotic, tyrannical and graft ridden people’s initiative,” he said. 

Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) hosts Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey "Ka Eric" Celiz—-who were both detained and later on released from Batasang Pambansa for refusing to disclose who claimed that Speaker Martin Romualdez' travel fund was at P1.8 billion—were also present.

Duterte is also expected to attend the forum.

The forum shed light about transparency and accountability of people’s money, explaining how the national budget is allocated and utilized.

A prayer rally against a signature campaign for the people’s initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution is set to take place in Davao City on Sunday afternoon.

Davao 3rd District Councilor Conrado Baluran on Thursday said more than 50,000 people are expected to troop to the city for the “One Nation, One Opposition” prayer rally.

Meanwhile, the Bagong Pilipinas kick-off rally will also be held simultaneously at Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

Officials of the Presidential Communications Office have belied claims that the Bagong Pilipinas campaign kick-off rally will be used to push for Charter change. —KG, GMA Integrated News