Let’s support the winner

The people have spoken through the ballot.

Whoever wins the presidency, let’s all support him or her even if we voted for another candidate.

There are indications Davao City Mayor Rody Duterte will win the presidential race.

If that is so, I suggest that those who didn’t vote for him give him a chance to prove his worth.

Although he is foul-mouthed, Duterte is a gentleman: He respects all women like he respected his mother.

Yes, he has admitted to being a womanizer but tell me who among our married public officials has no kept woman and I will call him a liar and hypocrite to his face.

Ask any Tom, Dick and Harry or people doing businesses in Davao City if Duterte or any employee at city hall has ever shaken them down.

Duterte is incorruptible—as far as money is concerned.

All those reports of his having huge bank accounts are simply not true.

He will soon show all his bank records.

Duterte has brought order and discipline to Davao City, something he intends to do nationwide should he get elected.

His style of leadership is no different from that of former Sen. Dick Gordon, who used to chair the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

Gordon imposed traffic discipline in the vast Subic Freeport (a former US Navy base) which straddles Olongapo City and Bataan province. Even though he is no longer at the helm of the free port, drivers who enter the area still follow traffic rules to the letter.

Duterte has made Davao City one of the safest cities in the world even though it used to be a haven for criminals and drug lords.

Davao City is a microcosm of the entire country.

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A report of election terrorism in Zamboanga del Norte has prompted retired Maj. Gen. Alexander Aguirre—executive secretary during the Ramos administration and national security adviser during Estrada’s term—to appeal to his former comrades.

In a text message and e-mail to all soldiers and policemen, Aguirre said:

“I just received a disturbing report from a concerned citizen about uniformed men, reportedly soldiers and local policemen, harassing voters in Dipolog.

“This might be happening in other areas, so [I’m addressing this to the] Chief of Staff, AFP and Chief, PNP: Please take immediate action.

“I also call upon you and your commanders in the field to do what we taught you during FVR’s (Fidel V. Ramos) time.

“I used to be your Chief of Operations, J-3, Armed Forces of the Philippines; Chief of Operations, C-3, Philippine Constabulary/Integrated National Police (PC/INP); and Capcom (Capital Region Command) commander and director, Metropolitan Police Force (MPF).

“HOPE. Honest, Orderly, Peaceful Elections.

“Do not allow your men in the field to thwart the people’s will. Let our people vote freely, do your sworn duty, be ever patriotic.

“Remember, politicians come and go but you remain in your profession until your retirement. Protect the people’s will.”

Aguirre was the valedictorian of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1961.

Now a practicing lawyer, he placed 11th in the 1971 bar exams.

Aguirre is not connected with any political party or camp in the just-concluded election.