FILE PHOTO: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte chats with Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi on the sidelines of an event in Taguig City on October 16, 2019. KARL NORMAN ALONZO / PRESIDENTIAL FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday expressed confidence in the PDP-Laban’s victory in the 2022 national elections as he thanked the party members for their trust to nominate him as their vice presidential candidate in the upcoming polls.
“Let us not be hindered by those who only seek personal political gain and instead realign ourselves with the party’s objectives. I am confident that with a strong resolve and solidarity, we’ll once again claim victory in the upcoming elections and together achieve a genuine and lasting prosperity for our country,” Duterte said during the national convention of the PDP-Laban Cusi faction in Pampanga.
The PDP-Laban Cusi wing officially nominated Senator Christopher “Bong” Go as its presidential candidate and Duterte as its vice presidential candidate in the 2022 elections.
For this, Duterte thanked them for their support, expressing hope to continue serving the country.
“I cannot thank you enough for your strong support for the administration’s priorities especially our fight against illegal drugs, terrorism, corruption and poverty. No words can express my gratitude for your continued trust and confidence in my leadership and for nominating me as the party’s official vice presidential candidate in 2022 elections,” Duterte said.
“I am hopeful that this will allow me to continue serving the Filipino people and lead the entire nation towards greater progress,” he went on.
Apart from continuity, Duterte cited his “love of country” as the reason behind his vice presidential bid.
“Alam mo bakit ako tatakbo ng vice president? Is it ambition? Maybe. Is it a sense of love of country? Yes. Is it really because I want to see the continuity of my effort even though I am not the one giving the directions? Baka makatulong ako,” he said.
(You know why I’m running for vice president? Is it ambition? Maybe. Is it a sense of love for the country? Yes. Is it really because I want to see the continuity of my effort even though I am not the one giving the directions? I might be of help.)
The President then reminded other newly proclaimed candidates to “remain united and focused in achieving our mission to improve the quality of life of every Filipino especially as we continue to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.”
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