President Rodrigo Duterte urged voters to consider preparing a list of their preferred candidates on May 9, saying it would be tricky to remember all their names.
During the PDP-Laban campaign rally in Caloocan City Tuesday evening, Duterte admitted he has been guilty of forgetting to bring a list of his preferred political bets when he voted in previous elections.
“It would be good to bring a list of candidates you support, whether for a national or local slate,” he said.
“A lot of people think that it’s bad to bring a list with you. It’s not. It’s all right to copy because you cannot remember when you are already there,” the President added.
What is not good, Duterte said, is to keep on voting for the same candidates who have not delivered anything, citing the case of some old-timers in the Senate.
“Many senators have not been doing anything for a long time. From time to time, they would talk when there is an issue. That is what I dislike about senators now. Those old-timers—replace them,” he said.
He reminded voters to select political bets who have the heart to serve, noting that many candidates tend to forget about the nation and people once elected.
“Some only have ambition and win but do nothing for the six or three years they are elected. There are many of them… I will not pick corrupt candidates or candidates who have a bad attitude or are arrogant. All of them are really subdued and humble,” Duterte added.
In related developments:
• The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it was verifying claims of an alleged plot to sabotage the May 9 elections, which some presidential aspirants floated over the weekend.
• Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reiterated the President’s call for fair and peaceful national and local elections next month, to ensure that the results reflect the genuine will of the Filipino people.
• The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday night started deploying ballots that will be used in the national and local elections.
• Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Wednesday said the government will not allow COVID-19 patients to go out of isolation facilities and cast their votes at polling precincts during the elections. With Willie Casas