MANILA, Philippines – As the election season began, President Rodrigo Duterte called on the police and military on Monday, October 15, to remain non-partisan and not support any candidate.

“This election, strictly neutral tayong lahat (we should all be strictly neutral). The Armed Forces, the police, and the uniformed personnel of government, I am asking you not to indulge in partisan politics. Wala tayong susuportahan (We will support no one),” the Chief Executive said during the Philippine Army Command turnover ceremony in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.

Duterte gave the order just a few hours after he came from the epicenter of partisan politics—the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) main office in Intramuros in Manila, where he accompanied his former special aide Bong Go to file his certificate of candidacy for senator. (READ: Army command turnover delayed as Duterte went to Comelec for Bong Go)

The Philippines will go through midterm senatorial and local races in May 2019.

Before the top officers of the Philippine Army, the former Davao City mayor claimed that not once did he enter a military camp to ask for special favors.

“Ayaw ko na magbisita sa (I don’t like to visit) regional command…I may have a very lousy mouth, but you know my values are quite good especially when it calls for the exercise of delicadeza,” Duterte said.

On his personal endorsements, he said it is his right as his own “political position.”

He added that he has yet to complete the lineup of candidates that he would endorse.

Even if he has choice bets, the President and commander-in-chief emphasized that nobody could use government funds for their campaigns.

“There will be an election and it will be an honest one…Nobody but nobody can use government resources, not even Bong. I will not allow it,” he added. – Rappler.com