SORSOGON CITY – It was just another typical victory parade for Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
Security personnel found their hands full turning back overzealous supporters after his chopper landed at the Balogo Sports Complex.
After the usual round of photo ops, Duterte’s caravan was met by a cheering throng just outside the complex gates.
Chants of the “Duterte!” filled the air, competing with the honking of motorcycles whose drivers would join the motorcade to the rally venue.
Applause and clenched fists raised along the way delivered the message that Duterte was in friendly territory. No one could miss the connection between candidate and his supporters.
Traffic grounded to a halt but the smiles of approval reassured Duterte that there were hardly any complaints for the minor inconvenience. After all, it was not everyday that the man who has become the symbol of change was in town.
Indeed, if there were spies from enemy camps around, they must have gritted their teeth in envy at the spontaneous red carpet welcome given Duterte.
If these people heard of the ridiculous accusations hurled at Duterte, they did not show it.
If they did, this was an unmistakable rebuke at the purveyors of lies out to derail the man they look up to as their last card against illegal drugs, criminalities and corruption.
Like nearly all of his sorties, the heat was unforgiving. And like all of his rallies, his supporters didn’t allow it to deprive them of the privilege to see him up close and personal.
At the first sound of Duterte’s voice, pandemonium broke loose at the rally site at the Provincial Capitol Park.
Eager to get a glimpse of their candidate, the crowd jeered at the privileged ones on stage with him, proof that they were here for him – and not for anything else.
Duterte delivered virtually the same speech he gave in all of his previous rallies which shows the universality of his message.
Except for some revisions every now and then, Duterte gave this audience the same treatment he gave the rest.
Duterte briefly responded to the plethora of accusations thrown at him, a man secure in the thought that his people are solidly behind him.
He did not show any irritation even when his enemies had thrown everything at him. Defiant and unbowed, Duterte explained why he did not immediately respond to the allegations.
When he said he did it on purpose because he want all those who wanted him destroyed to fall into the trap, the crowd roared in approval. It must have been agonizing for them then. It is a pleasant relief to hear Duterte wiggle himself out of it with ease.
The political rock star indulged his audience several minutes more after a howl of protest met his announcement that he would not be staying long.
It was only natural for one who was on the campaign trail to indulge the people he came here for.
On the other hand, no one can begrudge the people of Sorsogon the privilege of holding on to him as long as they can.
In all certainty, Duterte will no longer be a candidate more than a week from now.
Unless the cheaters prevail, he will be president the next time he comes to visit them.