Duterte to voters: Choose the right candidates

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte on Wednesday rallied supporters to vote for the right candidates for the Senate during the May 13 elections so that the Filipino people can count on senators who deserve to be in the post.

During a political rally of the PDP-Laban in Marikina City, Duterte lamented that some sitting senators do not deserve to be there.

The President, who has been critical of Senators Leila de Lima and Antonio Trillanes IV, lashed out at some members of the political opposition who have been vocal against his policies.

“Iyan sa Senado (There at the Senate), I could only – kasi focused tayo sa (because we are focused on the) Senate, eh. There are a lot of those there who should not be there. Ang personality, then he was supported by – walang ginawa (he does nothing) except to criticize para lang masabi nila mas marunong sila at may alam sila (just so they can say they are smarter and they know better),” he said.

Duterte referred to a female senator “who is eternally sarcastic,” without naming the person.

“Wala namang utak (Brainless). And every time she talks, she does not consult a lawyer, she commits blunder all the way,” he said.

“Parang nagmakamarunong na aktibista na wala namang laman at walang ginawa. Iyong mga ganun, maingay (She’s like an all-knowing activist who does not make sense and does nothing. People like that, all noise),” he added.

Duterte urged the Filipino voters to “vote for the right person for the job.”

“Ang correct na tao na elect ninyo (Vote for the right person),” he said.

The Chief Executive vouched for re-electionist Sen. Sonny Angara who may have criticized him in the past, but he said the senator is doing his job.

“He criticizes me. He does not agree with me on all fours all the time…Hindi naman binibira (He does not hit), but he is very kind of – just honest and sinasabi ang totoo (tells the truth). Alam mo kung sinong tinutukoy ko (Do you know who I am referring to)? Si Sonny Angara. Pati ’yon sa (Including those) taxes,” Duterte said, referring to Angara who worked for the passage of the tax reform packages, including the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law, at the Senate.

The President went on introducing the strengths of his senatorial candidates, comparing them against those running in the political opposition.            – With Robertzon Ramirez