Vice President Sara Duterte delivers a speech in Davao City. (Photo from Inday Sara Duterte Facebook)
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte urged candidates of the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) not to discredit their rivals.
While in Davao City, Duterte told candidates that there should be fair and peaceful elections.
“Paalala natin sa kanila ang ating kagustuhan na magkaroon ng honest, orderly and peaceful barangay elections sa pamamagitan ng tatlong bagay: Una, huwag manira ng kalaban ninyo na kandidato dahil tayo man ay hindi perpekto,” she said in a speech posted on Facebook.
(We remind them that we want an honest, orderly, and peaceful barangay election by doing three things: First, do not smear your rivals because no one is perfect.)
Second, Duterte also urged the candidates not to use violence while campaigning, as it would disrupt peace and security.
“Pang huli, huwag mandaya dahil mawawala ang respeto ng mga tao,” she concluded.
(Lastly, do not cheat because people will lose their respect.)
Despite urging candidates not to smear their rivals, Duterte does not hesitate to fire back at critics.
ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro had repeatedly exchanged heated words with Duterte over the latter’s controversial secret funds.
The Vice President had even insinuated that critics of confidential funds were enemies of the state.
Her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, also recently targeted Castro after he allegedly threatened her life. He may now face rap for his comments, according to the Makabayan bloc.