DAVAO CITY, Philippines — President Duterte assured the public that there would be clean and honest midterm elections next year.
“I commit to the Filipino people that this will be a clean election,” Duterte told the more than 6,500 participants of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) convention here at SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang Premier Friday night.
He said he would ask the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to deputize him, adding that during the elections he would impose the so-called Alunan doctrine, which limits the number of armed guards for every politician.
“You cannot bring long firearms during the election,” he added.
Duterte also warned communist rebels not to terrorize or extort money from the public and the political candidates in the areas where they operate.
“Do not terrorize. And I will tell the Armed Forces and the police not to interfere if you are not deputized by the Comelec,” he said.
The President underscored the government’s commitment to preserve and defend the democratic values in the country.
Duterte said it is only through an open democratic society that Filipinos can truly uphold the ideals that the nation holds dear.
He also urged the new members of HNP to continue elevating excellence, accountability and solidarity as “we bring genuine transformation to every Filipino.”
“I assure you that this is only the beginning. I look forward to the many things that we can accomplish together in the years to come,” Duterte said.
Duterte said he would not allow political goons and even the communist rebels to use their goons and undermine the upcoming elections. He also shunned the New People’s Army for demanding so-called “permit-to-campaign” fees, forming part of revolutionary taxes.
Whether it was as far as Jolo in the south or Abra in the north, Duterte said he would not think twice about going to the affected areas to thwart any violent activities propagated by the leftists.
He added that the government is one with the regional party led by his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, in ensuring peaceful elections next year.
“Let me reiterate that this administration remains committed to preserve and defend our most cherished democratic values, one of which is the vibrant party dynamics,” he said. “Indeed, it is only through an open democratic society that we can truly uphold ideals that we hold dear.”
Duterte is optimistic of positive developments that will come for HNP in the years to come.
“May this new chapter in our party’s history or group or whatever inspire us to further continue upholding excellence, accountability and solidarity as we bring genuine transformation to all Filipinos,” he said.
With Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) saddled by infighting among two factions, Duterte urged members of HNP to stay only if they are comfortable with the national party.
Like in any organization, Duterte noted that there are financial issues at the PDP-Laban that seem to divide the administration party.
“I would like to be very, very frank with you. The Philippines (is) still ruled by money,” he said. “The groupings at PDP, it’s not really… I do not want to make anybody uncomfortable here. But I’d better be frank with you, it never grew – PDP. It even outlived their talents…
“Why? Because of money. It’s a principled party, I know. And I use it as a – my platform to run for the presidency. But in terms of money…. So, my advice is if you’re comfortable with your mother unit, you might want to continue and coalesce with PDP-Laban,” he told HNP.
For his part, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada is still finalizing the senatorial candidates that he would endorse in the midterm elections next year.
In a telephone interview with The STAR, Estrada said his choices would be coming from HNP, PDP-Laban and his own Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino.
Estrada’s son, reelectionist Sen. JV Ejercito is one of nine senatorial candidates earlier named by HNP in its lineup for next year’s elections.
“It will be mix. But I have yet to finalize the list… I will make the announcement once the list is finalized,” Estrada said.
HNP earlier announced that aside from Ejercito, it is also fielding presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr., Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go, Senators Cynthia Villar and Sonny Angara, Reps. Pia Cayetano and Zajid Mangudadatu, Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos and Bureau of Corrections chief Ronald dela Rosa.
HNP has at least three national political parties and six local groups under its alliance, including Nationalist People’s Coalition and National Unity Party, Serbisyo sa Bayan Party of Quezon City, Alyansa Bol-anon Alang sa Kausaban of Bohol and Zamboanga del Norte’s Aggrupation of Party for Progress.
The other reelectionist senators coming from different political parties include Senators Nancy Binay, Grace Poe and Estrada’s son, former senator Jinggoy Estrada. – With Christina Mendez, Jose Rodel Clapano