Marcos' Davao Visit Underscores Fair Governance, Palace Says

President Marcos' visit to Davao, a known turf of the Dutertes, on Tuesday was not intended to improve his ratings, but to show that his governance is fair and favors no one, according to a Palace official. Marcos flew to Davao City on Tuesday, a day after delivering his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA). Executive Secretary Ralph Recto denied claims that the recent presidential out-of-town engagements were intended to bolster Marcos’ survey ratings. “He will fly even to areas that are not his turf. It is not the obligation of the people there to fall in love with the President. But it his duty to serve them,” Recto said in a statement yesterday. “He does not choose which place to go. He shows no favoritism. He goes where help is needed.” Recto said the President’s engagements are based on what the people want, and his popularity has never been a factor in making his schedule. “After all, he is not running for reelection, he is running a country. The good thing about being liberated from any political ambition is that his plans are not dictated by any electoral calculus,” Recto said. He said there is no popularity survey map that shapes the presidential itinerary, which is based on need.