Duterte supporters set ‘million people march’ to make him run

MANILA, Philippines – After the announcement of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte on Monday, supporters expressed dismay but remained hopeful, prompting them to hold a gathering dubbed “Million March: Run Duterte Run” to make him run.

President and founder of the “Duterte for President 2016” Mar Masanguid said the gathering was organized to show their support for Duterte’s presidency despite his announcement that he will not run.

Masanguid, also one of the organizers of the event, said the public clamor to make him run is strong.

Masanguid estimates that the “million march” scheduled at 1 p.m., on September 15 will gather around 50 to 100,000 Duterte supporters, mostly taxi drivers at the Quirino Grandstand, Manila. However he seeks for a bigger number of participants.

In the Facebook page, Rodrigo Duterte Thumbs-Up Fever 2016, would-be participants of the rally were asked to wear blue shirts and red and blue ribbons in their arms to show support for Duterte.

“Ipakita natin na nalulungkot po tayo lahat sa announcement ni Mayor Duterte na hindi sya tatakbo sa pagka presidente 2016,” the social media public invitation read.

On Monday, Duterte made an official announcement that he is not running in the 2016 polls.