Many voters don’t consider honesty when making choice – Panelo

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo. INQUIRER file photo / JOAN BONDOC

MANILA, Philippines – Honesty may not be one of the qualities voters are looking for when they pick their choices during elections.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said this Thursday as debates heat up on the significance of a candidate’s honesty after presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said honesty should not be an election issue because “everybody lies.”

“Bakit may nahahalal na hindi honest?” asked Panelo, who is also the chief legal counsel of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Ibig sabihin maraming hindi kino-consider ang honesty. Depende sa botante siguro iyon.”

“As a voter,” Panelo added, “I have to exercise my own judgment whether honesty will be a part of my choice.”

Panelo was also asked if honesty is important to Duterte.

To this, the President’s official mouthpiece said: “I will have to ask him that. Syempre. That’s a personal, parang kumbaga kasi baka gaya ni mayor Sara, kay mayor Sara hindi importante for this particular election.”

“I will have to ask him that, of course. That’s a personal [issue,],” he added.

READ: ‘Honesty’ non-issue in polls? Palace: No stand, but Sara has right to own view

Nevertheless, Panelo said Duterte-Carpio is entitled to her own opinion.

“It’s a free country,” he said.

Article II (Declaration of Principles and State Policies Principles) Section 27 of the 1987 Constitution states that, “The State shall maintain honesty and integrity in the public service and take positive and effective measures against graft and corruption.” /kga