MANILA, Philippines - Vice residential aspirant, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano on Friday said Grace Poe has risked dishonesty and hypocrisy when she questioned the capacity to lead of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte despite having asked his endorsement earlier.
"If Senators Poe and (Chiz) Escudero think that Mayor Duterte is not fit to lead the country then why did they ask for his endorsement in the 2013 senatorial election? And why did Sen. Poe ask if she could be Mayor Duterte's vice president earlier this year?" said Cayetano in a statement.
Cayetano added that Sen. Grace Poe risked dishonesty and hypocrisy just to pander to Duterte's critics in a desperate move to boost her electoral campaign.
It was reported that Poe asked to be Duterte's vice president before the senator decided to run for president. Alberto Romulo, a former foreign affairs secretary, allegedly arranged the meeting between Duterte and Poe at Corinthian Hills.
Cayetano said Sen. Poe can say whatever she wants but it will not change the fact that Duterte enjoys the support of the people.
"While Sen. Poe's insincerity is exposed, Mayor Duterte continues to represent authentic, honest and no-nonsense politics," Cayetano said.
"Mayor Duterte's life is an open book. He has nothing to hide. If moralizing politicians like Sen. Poe can stop murderers, robbers, rapists and corrupt public officials, then we don't need Mayor Duterte. But we know that is not the case. Ang kailangan nila ay matapang na solusyon at mabilis na aksyon," Cayetano said.
"Rather than wasting their time hitting Mayor Duterte, I urge them to visit Davao and see for themselves what the Filipino people found inspiring in him. Beyond Mayor Duterte's tough image is a city where peace, rule of law, and economic prosperity exist, where the first progressive gender code to protect the rights of women and children was enacted, and where a humane and equitable environment is nurtured to suit the diversity of Christians, Muslims, and indigenous people," Cayetano said.
"Sen. Poe should instead focus on finding solutions especially when she is the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs," Cayetano added.
Cayetano said he is not surprised why there is a sudden surge of attacks against the Davao mayor.
"I understand why they are suddenly attacking Mayor Duterte. Those who have benefitted from the country's flawed political system and want to continue what has clearly failed in the past, are afraid of the real positive change that he will bring to the country. Well, they should be because real change is coming," Cayetano said.