'Tapang at Malasakit' alliance not gearing up for 2019 polls ?— Palace

MANILA, Philippines  — Malacañang Tuesday denied that the launching of the Tapang at Malasakit alliance was meant to prepare President Rodrigo Duterte’s party for the midterm elections.

 

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the coalition was launched to provide Duterte’s supporters an opportunity to be heard in a “landscape dominated by political noise.”

 

“The launch of Tapang at Malasakit Alliance for the Philippines is a gathering of the president’s supporters from across sectors,” Abella said in a press briefing.

 

“The landscape has been dominated recently by political noise and Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte thought it is time for the voices of the president’s supporters to be heard and reach out to other communities who share the same vision for genuine change,” he added.

 

READ: Duterte supporters launch Tapang at Malasakit Alliance

 

Presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte led the launching of Tapang at Malasakit, which aims to support government programs.

 

There are talks that the new coalition would be used to prepare the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan or PDP-Laban for the 2019 senatorial polls. There are also speculations that Tapang at Malasakit was launched to counter Tindig Pilipinas, a coalition critical of Duterte that was organized by people identified with the previous administration.

 

Sara said she would not seek a national post in 2019 but is planning to run as representative of the first district of Davao City.

 

READ: Tindig Pilipinas launches petition asking Duterte to sign bank waiver

 

Abella said the creation of the pro-Duterte coalition had nothing to do with elections.

 

“No. From what I understand, Mayor Inday said it was created to promote unity, so that the president can accomplish his plans for the nation,” Abella said, referring to Sara by her nickname.

 

“It is also a good opportunity to renew people’s pledge for a better country and their commitment to be better citizens,” he added.

 

Tapang at Malasakit was organized as Duterte is facing allegations that he ordered the extrajudicial killing of drug suspects and amassed billions in ill-gotten wealth.

 

Duterte has denied endorsing summary executions but has threatened to kill drug lords who would destroy the country and the Filipino youth. He has also described as “garbage” claims that he has hidden wealth and has vowed to resign if his critics prove that he is into corruption.