Aquino urges Filipinos to campaign, vote for opposition bets in midterm polls

MANILA, Philippines — Former president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III on Tuesday campaigned for opposition candidates in the 2019 polls, whom he said would serve as a check on the administration.

In a speech during a mass commemorating the 35th death anniversary of his father Ninoy, the former chief executive said that the results of the midterm polls will determine if Filipinos still support the administration of his successor, President Rodrigo Duterte. 

He said that those who are satisfied with the way the country is being run by Duterte should vote for the candidates allied with the administration.

But for those who criticize the policies and pronouncements of the government should do more instead of merely voting for candidates of the opposition, Aquino said.

“Kung di ka sang-ayon, 'wag mo lang iboto ang ating mga kandidato. Ikampanya niyo pa sila, palakasin niyo ang magdadala ng tinatawag na checks and balances sa gobyerno,” he said.

The former Philippine leader stressed that the future of the nation is in the hands of his “bosses.”

“Kayo ang dapat masunod. Klaro po. Nasa inyong mga kamay ang ating kapalaranan,” he said. 

Aquino is from the erstwhile ruling Liberal Party.

Last month, Vice President Leni Robredo expressed her willingness to unite opposition groups. She hoped that the united opposition slate will be formed by September, one month before the filing of certificates of candidacy in October.

READ: Robredo willing to unite, lead opposition coalition

Among the potential candidates of the so-called “genuine opposition” are Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, Rep. Gary Alejano (Magdalo party-list ), former Rep. Barry Gutierrez (Akbayan party-list), LP Vice President for External Affairs Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada and De La Salle University College of Law Dean Jose Manuel Diokno.

Meanwhile, the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan officially asked President Rodrigo Duterte last week to review and finalize its senatorial lineup for the 2019 midterm elections.

PDP-Laban’s list has 24 names, which includes individuals within the party, “friends of the party” and re-electionist senators.

READ: PDP-Laban formally asks Duterte to settle senatorial slate

In the same speech, Aquino spoke out against the government’s controversial war on drugs, questioning the authorities’ use of “nanlaban” claim as reason for killings of suspected drug personalities.

“Kapag ang tao ay naaresto, kadalasan pinoposasan ang tao na ang kamay ay nasa likod. Kaya ako ay nagtataka lalo na pag biglang sinabing ito ay nanlaban,” he said.

Aquino said he was mum for two years but it is now time to speak up.

“Pinabayaan natin sila. May pruweba tayo kung anong direksyon nila. Kayo na po ang magsabi kung anong direksyon ang tama,” he said.