Former President Rodrigo Duterte rallied behind his senatorial bets with his signature bravado during the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP) proclamation rally Thursday evening at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan, where he criticized the Marcos administration for allegedly ‘falling short.’
“We have many problems. I think the Marcos government has fallen short… I can’t compare because I could say that it’s better now than during my time. I can’t even conceive that this is happening,” he said partly in Tagalog.
Duterte claimed his successor failed to curb illegal drugs, corruption, criminality and the rising costs of food prices. He cited these issues as key reasons behind his endorsement of PDP’s nine senatorial candidates, including his two loyalists—Senators Christopher Lawrence Go and Ronald dela Rosa.
The firebrand politician slammed Marcos over his unfulfilled campaign promise of bringing down the price of rice to P20 per kilo. To recall, Duterte promised to get rid of the drug problem in six months during his presidency, but admitted failure in 2019.
The former president noted that Filipinos are growing impatient with the empty pledges. “Talagang almost hindi na kaya. Hindi na kaya ng tao. (The people almost cannot really take it anymore),” he said.
“Now, if it’s easier to find a job during his (Marcos’) time, if in this era you feel safe walking around, without fear, and you can go anywhere, [then] don’t let go of Marcos. Choose his candidates,” Duterte added sarcastically in Tagalog.
His daughter Vice President Sara Duterte, who previously stated she was undecided in supporting candidates for the upcoming elections, endorsed the PDP bets through a message. She was unable to attend the event as she went on vacation at the time with her sister Kitty in Japan.
“I extend my heartfelt greetings to all members and supporters of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino who have gathered today for the Senatorial Candidates Proclamation Rally,” VP Duterte said mostly in Tagalog.
“I trust that the people have the power to change the current course of our nation by voting for those who are deserving, honest, and dedicated to serving the country,” she added.
Joining Go and Dela Rosa in the PDP senatorial slate are lawyers Vic Rodriguez, Raul Lambino, Jayvee Hinlo and Jimmy Bondoc, who is also a singer. Actor Philip Salvador is likewise in the lineup with SAGIP party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta and detained pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
The candidates vowed to continue Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs, corruption, and criminality. They are running under the slogan “Tapang at Malasakit.”
Davao City Mayor and PDP Laban National Executive Vice President Sebastian Duterte echoed his father’s criticisms against the current leadership and expressed his support for their senatorial slate.