THOUSANDS of supporters gathered at Rizal Park on Saturday, May 9, to officially launch the Inday Sara Duterte 2028 Movement.
Organizers were quick to defend the nature of the gathering, asserting that the turnout from across the country was entirely self-funded and volunteer-led.
Danny Boy Lopez, coordinator for Davao Region, addressed speculations regarding the mobilization, emphasizing that the event was an “organic” show of loyalty to the Duterte family.
“This is not a paid movement,” Lopez told local media. “This is a sincere offering of support. From the water and the food to the transportation of those who traveled from Luzon and Visayas, everything came from donations and personal funds.”
Participants from neighboring provinces flooded the park, signaling an early but strong push for the Vice President’s potential bid in the 2028 presidential elections.
The gathering also served as a stage for legal and political commentary.
Atty. Israelito Torreon, legal counsel for Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, addressed the crowd just as reports surfaced regarding a CIDG subpoena and potential ICC actions against his client.
Torreon used the platform to criticize the current state of the nation’s justice system. “Our country is at a critical juncture. Our court processes and our fundamental rights are being disregarded,” Torreon declared.
He echoed the sentiment of the movement that the current Marcos administration is unfairly targeting the Duterte family and their allies.
The launch marks the beginning of a nationwide campaign aimed at consolidating the “Duterte base” ahead of the next national elections, even as the Vice President faces an ongoing impeachment trial in Manila.
