MANILA, Philippines – It depends.
That was how President Rodrigo Duterte responded Thursday when asked if honesty should be an election issue.
Duterte said he weighed in on the issue, saying honesty as an election issue would depend if telling the truth would bring good or would just create trouble.
“It depends. It depends. If you’re hanging by the thread, of what good use would it be, if it’ll just create trouble,” he said in an ambush interview at the sidelines of the 122nd Philippine Army Anniversary in Taguig, City.
“There are things left unsaid and there are things which you can answer correctly. Okay?” he added.
Davao City Mayor and Presidential daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio had earlier said that honesty should not be an election issue because “everybody lies.”
READ: As poll bets trade barbs, Sara Duterte says ‘Everybody lies’
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo also earlier said that voters may not necessarily be considering honesty in voting for their candidates.
READ: Many voters don’t consider honesty when making choice – Panelo
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.” / gsg