His Royal Highness, King Rody of Davao


INDISPENSABLE? Mayor Rodrigo Duterte says he decided to allow his daughter Sara to run for mayor for fear that traditional politicians will mess up the city. (davaotoday.com photo by Carlos H. Conde)

He has said before that he would not build a political dynasty. But recently, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, according to this report, changed his mind. He said he would ask his daughter Sara to run as his vice mayor in next year’s election to make sure that no traditional politician (read: former ally turned arch rival Benjamin de Guzman) would rule the city after him.

Sounding every bit like a king bequeathing the throne to his child, Duterte reportedly said: “I have been running this city alone for the past many years and whether I like it or not, I will retire. My father has left me a leadership and this I performed with the utmost desire to bring the people of Davao only the best.”

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A Season of Begging

Davao kids asking for Christmas presents

These children roaming the streets of Davao City are a common sight during the holidays, asking strangers for money or Christmas presents. While officials say Davao’s economy has improved over the years, poverty is still common in the city, with thousands of residents — like these children — living in the slums, hardly getting by.

(davaotoday.com photo by Barry Ohaylan)

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Davao May Be Target of Christmas, New Year Attacks — Australia

Australia has warned its citizens against traveling to certain areas in the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao,"because of the very high threat of terrorist attack, including kidnapping, and related counter-terrorism operations."…

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