In Photo: MEN OF COURAGE. Former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte endorses Franco Tito for congressman in 1st District of Davao de Oro.
PRRD endorses Tito anew
Backs Quiboloy senate bid
Davao de Oro – Franco Tito, the folk hero of the small scale miners of Davao de Oro, emerged from virtual isolation following his controversial defeat in the 2019 local elections. He has filed his certificate of candidacy for Congressman in the 1st District of the province in next year’s midterm elections facing an administration-backed candidate, the incumbent Representative Maricar Zamora.
Franco Tito, a former Barangay Captain of gold-rich barangay Diwata (popularly known as Diwalwal) however is unfazed. Early on he had made known his intention to run for congress as an independent candidate buoyed by a renewed pledge from thousands of small scale miners who still cannot forget what he did for them when a giant mining company, Southeast Gold Mining Corporation plotted to takeover the entire gold rush area in Davao de Oro.
His political adversaries had belittled Franco Tito’s attempt to contest Representative Zamora however unexpected events had recently come into play. Just shortly before the filing of the Certificates of Candidacy, Franco had a chance encounter with former President Rodrigo Duterte at Grand Menseng in Davao City where the former had a scheduled press conference.
It turned out that Duterte had known Franco Tito when the then Barangay Captain, along with the small scale miners, barricaded the National Highway in Monkayo. Then Mayor Duterte was the Regional Peace and Order Chairman confronted Tito who only gave way when words from Malacanang had directed DENR Secretary Heherson Alvarez to look into the demands of the small scale miners headed by Franco Tito.
During the Grand Menseng meeting Duterte made an announcement that he will support the candidacy of Tito and adopt him as the candidate of PDP-Laban. Arrangements were made for him to be a member of the party which then will issue his Certificate of Nomination. However due to lack of material time to provide all the required legal documents for a CONA, Franco Tito just opted anew to run as an independent candidate.
Duterte’s endorsement nevertheless made a significant impact as the news about it had reached the nooks and corner of Davao de Oro.
In last Thursday’s press conference Duterte reiterated his endorsement of Franco Tito who, he said, he knew to be a man who can stand on his principles.
During the same presscon the former president also endorsed the candidacy of his embattled friend Pastor Apollo Quiboloy who is being detained due to trump up charges. He said, “ Pastor Apollo is a reservoir, ‘maraming alam sa buhay’. Pastor is a very keen observer sa buhay ng tao, very bright”.
Duterte added that “Pastor Quiboloy would be an asset to the country. Dahil nag-announce sya , I am announcing my whole support. I will campaign for him all throughout the country” Duterte concluded.
