Panelo: Election day ‘equalizer’ for rich and poor, powerful and powerless

MANILA, Philippines — A day before the 2019 national and local elections, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Sunday called on Filipinos to exercise their right to vote.

“Nanawagan ang Presidente [Rodrigo Duterte] sa lahat ng mamamayang Pilipino na pumunta sa mga presinto at bumoto,” Panelo said in an interview over Radyo Inquirer.

Panelo said the elections are “equalizers” for “the rich, the poor, the powerful, and the powerless” since each individual only counts for one vote.

“Ngayon ang pagkakataon na ang lahat ng mayaman, mahirap, makapangyarihan, mahina, iisa lamang ang bilang ng kanilang boto,” Panelo said.

“Ito ang equalizer sa demokrasya,” he added.

Panelo also urged the public to report cases of election-related irregularities to authorities and warned candidates who are planning to cheat in the elections.

“Hindi papayag ang Presidente na sirain ang electoral will ng mga kababayan natin,” Panelo said.

The spokesperson said that the public must vote for honest candidates who are ready to help the country, adding that those involved in illegal drug activities must not be given a seat in the government.

“Kinakailangan ang mga kandidato ay matapat sa kanilang layunin na maglingkod sa bayan at kailangan ang kanilang reputasyon ay hindi nababalutan ng masamang reputasyon,” Panelo said.

“Lalong-lalo na ang mga involved sa droga, hate na hate ni [Presidente Duterte] ‘yun,” he added.

The 2019 national and local elections will happen on Monday, May 13. (Editor: Julie Espinosa)