Palace calls for moratorium on ‘excessive politicking’ after polls

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Wednesday called for a moratorium on “excessive politicking” in the country following the proclamation of 12 incoming senators.

“We call on everyone in all sides of the political spectrum to have a moratorium in what appears to most of us as excessive politicking that has only caused more divisions amongst us,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

Panelo hailed the new senators “who have been entrusted with the mandate of legislating new policies and programs as they commit to refining the current legal framework of the country.”

The midterm elections, he said, “demonstrates the vibrancy of our democracy in this region’s first republic.”

“After a grueling battle, it is hoped that the protagonists lay down their political swords, accept the will of the electorate and bow to the majesty of their sovereign voice, by giving their preferred choices a chance of leading the country towards progress,” he said.

“Now that the political dust has settled with the proclamation of the winners, it is the perfect time for nation-building and for those who triumphed to focus on public service,” he added.

The Palace official urged Filipinos to unite and join the government in nation-building.

“We have been magnanimous in victory, thanking those who were defeated in the polls for fighting a good battle. We should all join hands in undertaking measures and projects for the betterment of our country and people,” he said.

“We express confidence that these newly proclaimed senators will be fealty to their oath, loyal to the Constitution, obedient to the laws of the land,” he added.

Panelo said he is hoping that the new senators would “do their best as legislators and enact laws which are not only conscientious but beneficial to the welfare of the nation and its citizenry.”

“We remain confident that these new senators, as well as the other incumbent senators will join the President in his dedication of spurring inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development, implementing the nation’s most ambitious infrastructure program, and creating a foundation for the establishment of a society that will provide lasting peace for the Filipino people as well as give them comfortable lives,” he said. (Editor: Eden Estopace)