Mocha Uson to run in 2019 polls

MANILA, Philippines – Resigned communications assistant secretary Mocha Uson announced on Monday, October 8, that she would seek an elective post in the 2019 elections.

She made this disclosure when asked to comment on a story alleging she was fired by President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Naniniwala po ako na paninira iyan sa pulitika, eh dahil akala nila ako’y tatakbo. Kaya siguro, challenge na lang po sa akin ‘yan na bibigyan ko po ng boses ang ordinaryong Pilipino kaya oo, tatakbo na ako!” Uson told reporters at the Senate.

(I believe those attacks are done because they feel I am running. That’s why I think it is a challenge for me to give voice to ordinary Filipinos. Yes, I will be running!)

Uson refused to say what post she is eyeing.

There have been talks that Uson will seek a senatorial seat. But Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, PDP-Laban president, dismissed rumors she would be running under the ruling party.

In the September Pulse Asia Research survey, she ranked 45th to 63rd place, far away from the top 12 probable winner’s circle.

Uson, a staunch ally of President Rodrigo Duterte, is accused of spreading inaccurate and misleading information online. She also posted controversial lewd and discriminatory videos on her blog.

On Wednesday, October 3, she resigned from her post, after lawmakers, citizens’ groups, and Uson’s own colleagues at the Presidential Communications Operations Office called on her to step down or for Duterte to fire her. – Rappler.com