Duterte tells military, police: Be ‘strictly neutral’ for 2019 polls

President Rodrigo Duterte. RENE LUMAWAG / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday called on the military and police to stay “strictly neutral” and not “indulge in partisan politics” as he vowed for an “honest” 2019 midterm elections.

“Let us make a deal here… this election strictly neutral tayong lahat,” Duterte said in his speech during the turnover of command for the new chief of the Philippine Army in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.

“The Armed Forces, the police and the uniformed personnel of government, I am asking you not to indulge in partisan politics. Wala tayong susuportahan,” he added.

Duterte made the statement just hours after escorting his trusted aide, Christopher “Bong” Go, who filed his candidacy for senator before the Commission on Elections.

READ: Duterte escorts Go in filing COC at Comelec

The President then assured the public of honest elections noting that no one will be allowed to use government resources for their political activities.

“I announce to the country now that we make a pledge; there will be an election and it will be an honest one,” he said.

“Nobody but nobody can use government resources, not even Bong (Go),” he stressed.

Duterte, national chairman of the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), said he will campaign for his candidates but he insisted that they too, cannot use government resources  /kga