President Duterte is letting Filipinos decide if Communications Assistant Secretary Margaux “Mocha” Uson and presidential spokesperson secretary Harry Roque should run for senator in 2019.
Duterte told reporters in Davao City Saturday that he can’t simply decide on the matter alone as this would affect the public.
“It’s not a one-man story or critique. Let the people decide. Kung ginusto nila ‘yan, then that’s it. It will be honored by all, including the military and the police,” he said.
“’Pag ‘yan ang pinili ng Pilipino, you might not like her. Her ways might not suit your values. But if that guy or woman is elected by the people, then you have to honor that choice,” Duterte added.
The Chief Executive said he wants people who have the best interest of his countrymen in mind to run for the Senate.
“Sino ‘yung Pilipino makakatulong sa kapwa niya tao and who has the best of the ideas, baka ‘yun ang mga tao na kukunin ko or I might also nominate them,” he said.
“It’s a party decision so maybe just a give and take there,” he added, suggesting Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol and Agriculture Undersecretary Berna Romulo-Puyat.
House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez announced last week the supposed inclusion of Uson and Roque in the Partido-Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan senatorial slate in the mid-term elections.
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar said that Uson has a high chance of winning.
“I congratulate Mocha for – Malaki ang followers niya, eh. So siguro sabihin mo na lang, ‘yung five million followers na lang eh boboto at may mga kamag-anak naman ‘yan, diba? So malaki ‘yung chance na manalo siya,” Andanar said.
“Kung winability lan ang pag-usapan or ‘yung the possibility of winning ay talagang no-brainer na si Mocha, she can really draw the crowd,” he added.
Andanar said that Duterte may not want Uson to run as she is a Cabinet member but Roque is an exception to the rule. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)