President Duterte Assures Public a Clean 2019 Elections

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Friday, August 17, assured the public that there would be a clean conduct of 2019 midterm elections.

The President expressed this as he attended the convention of the regional political party, Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP), in Lanang, Davao City.

“In this election, I commit to the Filipino people that this will be a clean election,” President Duterte said.

The Chief Executive emphasized that he would ask the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to deputize him, adding that during the election, he will impose the Alunan doctrine, which limits the number of armed guards for every politician.

“In the next few months, I will impose the Alunan doctrine. You cannot bring long firearms during the election,” he said.

Duterte warned the communist rebels not to terrorize or extort money from the public and the political candidates in the areas where they operate.

“Huwag kayong makialam at manghingi ng taxation kasi mas lalo tayong lalayo nang lalayo sa solusyon natin. Huwag kayong makialam kasi election ‘to. Do not terrorize. And I will tell the Armed Forces and the police not to interfere if you are not deputized by the COMELEC,” he said.

Furthermore, the Chief Executive underscored the government’s commitment to preserve and defend the democratic values in the country.

Duterte said that it is only through an open democratic society can Filipinos truly uphold the ideals that the nation holds dear.

He also urged the new members of the HNP to further continue elevating excellence, accountability, and solidarity as “we bring genuine transformation to every Filipino.”

“I assure you that this is only the beginning. I look forward to the many things that we can accomplish together in the years to come,” Duterte said.

The HNP convention was attended by 4,000 people composed of the party’s members, local government officials, Purok leaders, and other invited guests. HNP was formed and chaired by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte on February 23, 2018 and was granted accreditation by the COMELEC as a Regional Political Party on June 26, 2018.

President Duterte raises the reward for ‘ninja cops’ to P5 million

Meanwhile, President Duterte announced that he is raising the bounty to P5 million per head for those individuals who could provide information on police and military officers directly involved in the illegal drug trade.

The Chief Executive initially offered P2 million reward in August 2016 for the capture of the ‘ninja cops’ but later raised the reward to P3 million in September 2017.

“So the good practice maybe sa ninja cops, I will now raise the amount to P5 million per ninja cop. If you bring him to me dead, I’ll give you [P5 million], no questions asked or P3 million,” Duterte said.

President Duterte also said that he would increase the bounty to P1 million a month if the ninja cops will not surrender themselves.

“Surrender within 48 hours. Kasi ‘pag hindi kayo nag-surrender, dadagdagan ko ‘yan P1 million per month,” he said.

Expressing his frustration over the persistent corruption in the government, President Duterte again warned the policemen to “shape up” as he will never tolerate abusive cops during his term. (PND)