President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday called on Filipinos to support the administration’s senatorial candidates, emphasizing that none of them were involved in drug war-related killings, corruption during the pandemic, or supporting China's actions in the West Philippine Sea.
During the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas campaign kick-off in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, President Marcos threw his support behind the administration's 12 senatorial bets.
He reiterated that none of the candidates have blood on their hands from involvement in "tokhang" or were involved in corruption during the pandemic, during which Filipinos were allegedly left to suffer and die.
"Wala sa kanila ang may bahid ng dugo dahil sa tokhang. Wala sa kanila ang kasabwat sa pagbulsa ng sako-sakong pera, pinagsamantalahan ang krisis ng pandemya, pinabayaan ang mga kababayan na magkasakit at mamatay," said Marcos.
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Furthermore, Marcos pointed out that none of the candidates can be seen "clapping and rejoicing" over China's actions, such as using water cannons against the Coast Guard, blocking fishermen, and claiming some of the country's islands, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, as part of their territory.
"Wala sa kanila ang pumapalakpak sa Tsina at natutuwa pa kapag tayo ay binobomba ng tubig, tinatamaan ang ating mga Coast Guard, hinaharang ang ating mga mangingisda, ninanakaw ang kanilang huli at bukod pa rin ay inaagaw pa ang mga isla natin para maging bahagi ng kanilang bansa," Marcos explained.
"Wala po sa kanila ang tilang sakristan ng isang bulaang propeta na nasasakdal dahil sa pagyurak sa ating kabataan at sa ating kababaihan. Wala sa kanila ang taga-taguyod ng pugad ng krimen, ng sentro ng paglalapastangan ng mga kababaihan na mga POGO," he added.
Although the President did not specify names, the cases he cited are comparable to the allegations currently confronting the opposition.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating several officials from the Duterte administration who are alleged to be involved in the killings during the implementation of the campaign against illegal drugs.
Moreover, some government officials are also facing allegations related to the government's procurement of medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
The President's reference to a "prophet" seemed to allude to Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who is running for senator in this year's election and is currently detained on charges of human trafficking and child abuse.
Ultimately, it was under the Duterte administration that the country strengthened its ties with China.
Marcos asked the public if they would still want to return to a time when some of our leaders wanted the country to become a "province of China."
"Babalik ba tayo sa nakaraan na ibinubugaw ang ating bayan bilang isang sugalan ng mga dayuhan?" he further questioned.
"Nais ba nating bumalik sa landas na umaapaw sa dugo ng mga inosenteng mga bata na inagaw sa kanilang mga ina, kinuha sa kanilang mga tahanan, at inagaw ang kanilang kinabukasan?" he added.
In conclusion, the President emphasized that the candidates he endorses will not engage in or participate in "matters the country has left behind and no longer wants to revisit" once they are in the Senate.
