Cabinet members told to keep off campaign trail

MANILA, Philippines – Less than a week before the official start of the campaign season, President Rodrigo Duterte asked members of his Cabinet not to endorse or campaign for candidates.

Speaking before barangay officials in Legazpi City, Albay on Friday, Duterte also reiterated that no candidate would be allowed to use state resources during the campaign period.

“The Cabinet members , sinabi ko sa kanila though the law allows you to campaign just like the President, but I would insist na huwag kayo mangialam because not only would they bring so many issues with them, pati na sabihin na ginamit ‘yung gasolina, ginamit ‘yung sasakyan ng gobyerno, ‘yung eroplano,” Duterte said.

“So to do away with those issues and to make it really equal for all, nobody uses government property or funds because that is not allowed by law,” he added

The President also assured that the military and police will not take sides in the May elections.

“May I remind everybody na ako mismo personally interested and I think everybody else in government. I can assure you that the Armed Forces and the police will never side with anybody, any candidate or any issue for that matter,” he said.

Senatorial candidates and party-list groups could start campaigning from February 12 to May 11, two days before the elections on May 13. /gsg