Sara to strengthen law enforcement, will skip Comelec debate

MANILA, Philippines — Vice presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte yesterday said she would strengthen law enforcement in the country if she wins in this year’s elections.

In an ambush interview yesterday, Duterte said she would strengthen “all the law enforcement” in the country to ensure peace.

This, as she voiced continuity of the programs of her father, President Duterte.

“It would not only cover anti-drug operations, anti-terrorism, anti-criminality, anti-insurgency. It would cover everything,” she told reporters in Filipino.

“We would focus on that all to ensure peaceful living, not only in the country but the whole world. That is the commitment of the UniTeam,” she added.

During her speech before members of multi-sector groups in Parañaque, Duterte said she would push to continue the Build Build Build program of the current administration.

She also said she would strengthen the country’s economy, educational system and peace and order if she wins, as well as “true unity.”

“We would erase (political) colors,” Duterte said in her speech, as the Davao City mayor underscored the progress Davao had under her administration.

“If we could do it in Davao City, we could do it in the Philippines. What we just need is to prioritize the proper investment of money, and proper planning and execution,” she added.

Duterte, in the same interview, said she would not attend next week’s Commission on Elections (Comelec) debates.

She said that she already decided not to join any debates, and reiterated that she would be conducting her campaign without joining debates.

“I would leave the decision (to whether or not elect me) to the people. This would be the direction of our campaign,” Duterte said.

“If it changes, we will let you know. But, as of this very moment, the decision is to conduct this campaign without joining debates,” she added.

Duterte was earlier slammed by fellow vice presidential candidate Walden Bello for not attending debates, who called her a “coward.” – Edith Regalado