MANILA, Philippines — Does the Palace agree with Hugpong ng Pagbabago campaign manager and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s statement that honesty is not an election issue?
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo would rather “not respond to the question,” citing the law prohibiting government employees from engaging in partisan political activities.
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In a press briefing on Thursday, Panelo was asked about Malacañang’s stand on Duterte-Carpio’s statement on the honesty of Senate candidates.
READ: Imee Marcos to release statement on college degree controversy, says Sara Duterte
Panelo, a failed senatorial candidate of the Marcos-era Kilusang Bagong Lipunan during the 1992 elections, initially said: “I guess... you’ll have to ask Inday [Duterte] exactly what she means by that.”
The Davao City mayor could also be saying that “everybody gives white lies,” said Panelo.
Pressed on whether he would vote for an “honest candidate,” Panelo once again invoked the law.
“I will invoke my right against self-incrimination.”
Personal dealings needed
Reporters continued to engage Panelo on the same matter. The presidential spokesperson later said that in his opinion, the honesty of an election candidate could only be determined with "personal dealings."
"How would you know that I'm not honest because you don't have experience of dealing with me. You need to have personal experience with me," Panelo challenged.
"That's why Mayor Sara can say, let's not talk about honesty because how would you know?" Panelo said in a mix of English and Filipino.
Records that prove one's claim may also be faked, he said.
"Isn't it that there are many presented that are bogus?"
"I think, you should personally have dealings with him (candidate)."
The issue stemmed from the controversy on Ilocos Norte governor and Senate candidate Imee Marcos’ educational background.
Officials from Princeton University and the University of the Philippines—schools Marcos claimed she has degrees from—have released statements that their records show that the Hugpong Senate candidate is not their graduate.
Reporters hounded Marcos in different campaign sorties to get her statement on the matter, but she continues to dodge questions.
Duterte, who serves as Hugpong campaign manager, responded to criticisms on Marcos’ dishonesty about her educational background and said: “Lahat sila sinungaling. Lahat ng tao sa mundong it [ay] sinungaling. (All of them [Otso Diretso] are liars. Everyone in this world is a liar).” — Kristine Joy Patag