Duterte warns candidates in 2019 elections: 'Do not terrorize voters'

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte yesterday warned candidates in next year’s polls not to “terrorize” voters, saying he would deal with them personally if they try to impose their will on the public. 

Duterte said candidates should let Filipinos vote freely, saying the “will of the people is the will of God.” 

“Whether you are from the government, whether you belong to my party or you are my rival in politics, do not terrorize, do not intimidate, do not create fear in the voters. I will be frank with you fro m Jolo to Abra,” the President said during the turnover of military and police housing units in San Miguel, Bulacan yesterday afternoon.

“Pag ginawa ninyo ‘yan ako mismo ang pupunta doon at ako mismo mag-aresto sa iyo at ako mismo ang maghila sa iyo. Talian kita sa leeg doon sa ligid ng eroplano (If you do that, I will go and arrest you myself. I will drag you and tie your neck to the wheel of an airplane),” Duterte added. 

Duterte said candidates should respect the choice of voters even if they voted for someone who “acts like a dog.” 

“You might not like him but if it’s free will, it’s the choice of the people, do not mess it up,” the President said. 

Duterte also reminded government troops to remain non-partisan during the midterm polls. 

“I would like to remind everybody in government, everybody, especially the Armed Forces and the police: do not take sides. Either for or against my party, do not interfere. Do not join campaigns and do not favor any candidate, whatsoever. That is the mandate of the Constitution and we will stick by it,” Duterte said.

Meanwhile, a total of 54,000 housing units were constructed by the National Housing Authority (NHA) for beneficiaries in the Armed Forces and Philippine National Police.

This was disclosed by Marcelino Escalada, NHA general manager, to President Duterte during the awarding of 500 of the 1,000 housing units at the Scout Ranger Ville in San Miguel, Bulacan.

Duterte said the housing units each cost P944,000 and told the beneficiaries that he would slash P100,000 from the amount, leaving P844,000 for the beneficiaries to pay through Pag-IBIG.

Duterte also tasked Escalada to speed up construction of the 10,000 units targeted for this year and 10,000 more for 2019.

He added that personnel of the AFP and PNP will be provided with housing units and ordered Escalada to look for land where these can be erected. – Ramon Efren Lazaro