Duterte’s camp not counting on his social media fame

TACLOBAN CITY, March 3 (PNA) -- Presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is not counting on his social media popularity to win in the May 9, 2016 elections.

Peter Tiu Laviña, media coordinator of Duterte’s camp, told reporters here that they still have to work hard to ensure that popularity will be converted into actual votes on Election Day.

“His advocacy to eradicate criminality and illegal drugs has captured the heart of the people to throw and rally their support for the candidacy of the city mayor,” Laviña said.

His camp is also concerned on introducing their candidates to the voters in this region.

Laviña said that although Duterte is popular in the Bisaya-speaking areas of the region, his popularity in the Waray-speaking provinces is very low compared to other candidates.

The low popularity of Duterte in these areas could be attributed to lack of campaign funds and the last minute decision to join the presidential race.

“He‘s not been to the three Samar provinces unlike in Leyte where he already visited Tacloban, Ormoc and Maasin,” Laviña said.

He said their camp depends on the help of their volunteers to introduce their candidates to residents in Samar provinces.

“Social media’s participation to the electorate is very important to help them shape their decision if whom to vote as the next leader of this country,” he added.

Duterte is scheduled to visit this city on March 14. (PNA)
LAP/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA