#DearPresidentDigong, here are our wishes – netizens

MANILA, Philippines – With Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s victory in the presidential race crystal clear, social media users began tweeting their expectations and wishes for him on Thursday, May 12. 

#DearPresidentDigong trended on Twitter in the Philippines, with netizens using the hashtag to send messages addressed to Duterte.

RESULTS as of 6:56PM:
Partial, unofficial results for the elections race: https://t.co/fQSUhE1RMV#PHVote pic.twitter.com/894aqhw3uG

— Elections 2016 (@PHVote) May 12, 2016

 

Duterte’s supporters, who are very active on social media, cannot wait for what’s to come. 

#DearPRESIDENTDigong Looking forward for the new look of our country.

— Ma. Ericka Caro (@kaicaro) May 12, 2016

 

What people are probably looking forward to the most is the fulfillment of Duterte’s most famous campaign promise: to suppress crime, drugs, and corruption in government in just 3 to 6 months. (READ: Duterte bares details of 3-to-6 month anti-crime plan)

#DearPRESIDENTDigong make this country a land of no criminals, let this land have peace & order. #Disiplina

— DU30 Is My President (@DAshantiMaeC) May 12, 2016

#DearPRESIDENTDigong Please Remove Corruptions in our Government and Remove PDAF scam.

— Don Ace (@J_Acepaz) May 12, 2016

 

Some asked for the reinstatement of the death penalty. 

#DearPRESIDENTDigong Restore death penalty for those who are proven guilty of drug pushing, rape, & murder.

— Janella Yapo (@JanellaYapo) May 12, 2016

 

Others appealed to Duterte to make Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago a presidential adviser or a member of his Cabinet. Santiago is set to finish last in the presidential elections.

#DearPRESIDENTDigong Please don’t let Sen.Miriam leave the Philippines,make her your Presidential adviser 🙂

— OmNom (@itsmeeeegelo) May 12, 2016

#DearPRESIDENTDigong sana ndi mo sayangin si Miriam at sana ipasok mo sa sa gabinete mo.

— JP Olaso (@Djeypi_) May 12, 2016

 

Duterte has been vocal about his admiration for “the iron lady of the Philippines.” During the presidential debates, netizens created a tandem featuring both of them called “DuRiam.”

 

Meanwhile, non-smokers are looking forward to never inhaling the smell of smoke again.

Duterte has been known to strictly enforce the smoking ban in Davao City. He reiterated the dangers of smoking during his miting de avance at the Quirino Grandstand.

#DearPRESIDENTDigong Can’t wait to inhale smoke no more in public places.

— Bam Bam (@ebaneysha) May 12, 2016

#DearPRESIDENTDigong ipagbawal mo agad ang pagyoyosi in public place lalo na sa mga nakikihingi lang ng yosi xD @ItsRodyDuterte @RRD_Davao

— Leila Santiago (@leilasantiago23) May 12, 2016

#DearPRESIDENTDigong If you put Davao ordinances into nat’l laws I cant thank enough in advance for the Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Order.

— Marbert (@marbertism) May 12, 2016

 

His supporters from Davao also expressed how much they will miss their “father” and how they wish the rest of the country will accept him the way they do.

#DearPRESIDENTDigong i hope sum ppl will learn 2 lyk u bec u arent a monster. u r our father 4 20yrs in Davao. so why be afraid!?

— JDME UAE *FriDay (@jaguardacudao) May 12, 2016

#DearPRESIDENTDigong
Let the whole Philippines be the next Davao City. Salamat po and God Bless.

— Pebaツ 산댕❤ (@FebieBaldonado) May 12, 2016

#DearPRESIDENTDigong come back home safe and healthy after six years 🙂 :*

— Mjoy Alaba (@lablabmjoy) May 12, 2016

#DearPRESIDENTDigong I just want you to be healthy. Malayo sa sakit para kayo pa rin po presidente namin in the next 20 years. We Love You!

— Yang Campugan (@leeyannaise) May 12, 2016

 

Over 15 million voters – at least based on 95% transmission of votes – believe Duterte can make the country better.

#DearPRESIDENTDigong I believe that you can make our country better ♥

— Joyce쩔어 (@OwwwjoyceV) May 12, 2016

I believe you will make a huge difference with our country!  #DearPRESIDENTDigong

— JM Pangilinan (@ChirpyGenocide) May 12, 2016

 

But of course, it’s not just up to one person. We must all be part of the solution. 

Hindi po Santa Claus si Digong.
Puro kayo wish dyan! Puro naman pansarili. Antayin nyo ang gagawin bago kau magrequest #DearPRESIDENTDigong

— binibiningzuri (@binibiningzuri) May 12, 2016

#DearPRESIDENTDigong fixing this country isn’t your job alone but ours as well. We got your back tatay digong

— Via Labaco (@viaclarice) May 12, 2016

I hope, together, we can start making Philippines a better country. We believe in you. #DearPRESIDENTDigong

— Nadie (@hanadiebauyon) May 12, 2016

 

See other messages for Duterte here:

#DearPRESIDENTDigong Tweets

 

In recent months, social media has been an avenue for supporters to cheer on their candidates. The exchanges have sometimes gotten out of hand, causing misunderstandings between passionate voters who are friends. As the elections end, will the arguments end?

Twitter and other socials would not be as fun without bashers. #DearPRESIDENTDigong

— The Nurse tambay (@Dj_Emorej) May 12, 2016

 

Will Duterte’s supporters continue to be as active on social media after he is sworn in? What is your message for the Philippines’ next leader? Tell us what you think on X. – Rappler.com