Duterte: ‘Let the people decide’ on who to elect in 2019

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in his speech during the launching of the Department of Agriculture’s partnership with Ayala Malls at the Abreeza Mall in Davao City on November 18, 2017, cites how farmers and fisherfolks could benefit from a government that is compassionate and free from corruption. SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Duterte urged everyone to “let the people decide” who they want to elect into the Senate in the 2019 elections.

Sought for comments regarding the senatorial slate which was announced by House Speaker and Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Laban (PDP-Laban) secretary general Pantaleon Alvarez, Duterte answered, “Let the people decide. It’s not a one-man story or critique. Let the people decide. Kung ginusto nila ‘yan (if they want it), then that’s it. It will be honored by all, including the military and the police.”

Assistant Presidential Communications Secretary Margaux “Mocha” Uson and Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque were among those named by Alvarez as part of Senate bets for 2019, under the umbrella of the PDP-Laban party.

“‘Pag ‘yan ang pinili ng Pilipino (if she is chosen by Filipinos), you might not like her; her ways might not suit your values. But if that guy or woman is elected by the people, then you have to honor that choice,” the President told reporters at a Department of Agriculture event in Davao City on Saturday evening.

Both Uson and Roque were unaware of Alvarez’s announcement. Uson said she has no intention of running for senator in 2019, but if she would run, it would be because Duterte himself told her so.

Roque, for his part, said he also doesn’t have the means to run for a senate seat in 2019. He said that he would like to focus on his new job as the President’s spokesman and that his priority right now is to do his absolute best in conveying the message of the President to the people.

Aside from Uson and Roque, Representatives Karlo Nograles, Geraldine Roman, Albee Benitez, and former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair Francis Tolentino were also included in the party’s senatorial line-up, according to Alvarez.

Duterte also described the characteristic of someone he is looking for in his “personal choice” for the Senate.

“Sino ‘yung taong makakatulong sa Pilipino na bababa ‘yung presyo ng pagkain, at mayroon tayong supply na marami. Sino ‘yung Pilipino makakatulong sa kapwa niya tao (Who is the one who could help Filipinos by lowering the price of foods, and ensuring a bountiful supply. Who is the Filipino who can help his fellow people) and who has the best of the ideas, baka ‘yun ang mga tao na kukunin ko (Maybe those are the ones who I’ll get) or I might also nominate them,” Duterte said.

“It’s a party decision so maybe just a give and take there,” he added.

The President was further asked if he had anyone in mind who could do such role, Duterte answered in jest the names of Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol and Undersecretary Berna Romulo-Puyat who were both with him during the event.