“The opportunity to serve as vice president, I dedicate to Kean Gabriel, to Larry, to Jaren and Frederick and all those who passed because of terrorism, abuse, criminality, and bullying,” Duterte-Carpio said in an ambush interview aired on GMA News on Wednesday evening, May 25, at the Batasang Pambansa.
“Thank you for the opportunity to save lives,” she added.
In 2016, four-year-old Kean Gabriel Agustin suffered maltreatment from his stepfather, Sonny Boy Mendoza, 22, resulting in his death on August 24, 2016. The City Government, in the same year, launched the Kean Gabriel Hotline in memory of Kean. The incident exposed the violence, neglect, and possible death children in Davao City face under those who are supposed to keep them safe. By calling or texting the number 0908-818-4444, the “Kean Gabriel Hotline” encourages the public to report cases of child abuse and neglect to the authorities.
The mayor, meanwhile, referred to Larry as Larry Buenafe, a fish vendor who was hit by a landmine planted by New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Tigatto, Davao City and died in 2017. Duterte-Carpio, during the campaign, had repeatedly shared the story of Larry.
Frederick was a staunch supporter of the mayor in Antique, whom she visited on Wednesdsday morning before heading off to Manila to attend the proclamation ceremony.
The mayor also thanked her supporters, who joined her in the campaign.
“Ang akong pagdaog maoy kadaugan sa tanan, nitabang, naningkamot ug misuporta kanako (My winning is also a victory to everyone, especially to those who helped, and supported me),” she said.
The incoming vice president also thanked the joint Congress, Commission on Elections (Comelec), the teachers who served in the polling precincts, and the security personnel for the “generally peaceful and orderly election.”
Duterte-Carpio stressed her and President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s campaign message of unity.
The outgoing mayor solely attended the proclamation rally. She did not disclose any reason.
The Davao City mayor garnered 32,208,417 votes in the May 2022 national elections, based on the canvassing of the National Board of Canvassers as of 6 p.m., May 25, 2022.
Meanwhile, she is set to take her oath as vice president in her hometown on June 19, 2022, at San Pedro Street.
Duterte-Carpio will assume her position on 12 noon of June 30, making her the first elected vice president from Mindanao.