Duterte names Senate bets to support outside PDP-Laban

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday bared more names of senatorial candidates he would support for the 2019 midterm elections.

Duterte said he would endorse the candidacy of reelectionist Senators Sonny Angara and Cynthia Villar, former Senator and Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano, and Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos.  Angara is a Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP) stalwart; while Villar, Cayetano, and Marcos are from the Nacionalista Party (NP).

The President had earlier endorsed the candidacy of former Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go, former Philippine National Police Chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, and former political adviser Francis Tolentino. All three are members of the President’s political party, PDP-Laban.

“Of course, they supported me and I have to support them. That’s the right thing to do,” he told reporters after a tricycle drivers’ association event in Pasay City when asked why he would support the names he mentioned.

“I will be supporting those who supported me during the last. Utang na loob ‘yan e,” he added.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Tuesday said there is nothing wrong with the President endorsing senatorial candidates ahead of the official campaign period. /kga

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