- A broadsheet columnist claims Jollibee owner Tony Tan Caktiong threw his support behind Duterte
- The columnist said Caktiong’s support of the mayor could spell bad news for other rivals
- It was not clear, however if Caktiong’s support involves financial aspect
MANILA, Philippines – It is not a secret that Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s base of supporters crosses different sectors of society – from ordinary people to the working class, from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to businessmen.
While various groups have openly declared support for the tough-talking mayor, only a handful businessmen have done the same, although this does not necessarily mean the latter are smaller in numbers.
Perhaps, most of them prefer to keep silent and just work in the background.
But a recent article by Rey Arcilla for the Malaya Business Insight claimed another big businessman has joined the roster of Duterte’s supporters.
He is no less than Tony Tan Caktiong, the owner of the country’s number 1 fastfood chain, Jollibee.
Arcilla said Caktiong’s support of Duterte could spell bad news for the mayor’s four other rivals.
“Billionaire Tony Tan Caktiong, who is from Davao and is the owner of the now world famous fast food chain Jollibee, has just declared his support for the Davao Mayor!” Arcilla wrote on March 29.
Arcilla suggested Jollibee’s loyal patrons across the country could make the difference for Duterte in the coming national election if they were to be swayed with the fastfood owner’s personal choice, although this could not be guaranteed given the unpredictability of the Filipino voters.
“With the millions of loyal Jollibee customers around the country, Tan Caktiong’s endorsement is certainly a tremendous boost to Hizzoner Duterte’s winning ways,” he pointed out.
However, it was not clear if Caktiong’s support involved financial aspects.
Last year, even before Duterte officially declared his intention to run, a group of businessmen calling themselves Anonymous Patriots for Peaceful and Progressive Philippines or AP4 pledged P1B for the mayor’s campaign coffers.
Not much has been reported since as campaign period draws to a conclusion in the coming weeks.
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