Duterte: ‘PH in jeopardy if Binay, Roxas elected president

SORSOGON, Philippines – The Philippines will be jeopardy if either Vice President Jejomar Binay or administration standard-bearer Maniel “Mar” Roxas II wins in the presidential race, Davao City mayor Robrido Duterte said at a campaign rally here on Saturday, April 30.

“If Roxas or Binay wins and becomes president, the Philippines is in jeopardy,” Duterte told a crowd of thousands of supporters at the grounds of the provincial capitol in Sorsogon City.

He said Binay is “involved” in graft and corruption while Roxas is an “opportunist” who moved from one administration to another.

“Mar Roxas during the time of Erap served as DTI secretary but abandoned him when the ship is in trouble. He joined the camp of Arroyo but jumped ship on the brink of uncertainties. Mar goes to PNoy, so he continues to become an opportunist,” Roxas said.

Roxas resigned as President Joseph Estrada’s trade secretary in November 2000, as the latter faced an impeachment complaint over allegations of receiving money from illegal gambling lords. He served the same position in Arroyo administration but resigned in December 2003 to prepare for his 2004 senatorial bid.

President Benigno Aquino III appointed Roxas, his running mate in the 2010 elections, as transportation secretary in 2011.

Duterte had nothing to say about his other rival, Senator Grace Poe, who had called him out on his alleged undeclared Bank of the Philippine Islands bank account in Ortigas. (READ: Grace Poe turns feisty as she tries to regain lost lead)

“I don’t want to fight with a woman,” said the mayor who had been criticized by women’s groups and women’s rights advocates for his controversial rape joke involving a slain Australian missionary.

Binay himself has warned voters about a Duterte presidency in his campaign speeches since the mayor soared to become the front-runner in surveys on presidential candidates. He had said that Duterte would hurt poor innocent crime suspects, as well as overseas Filipino workers, because of his statements against foreign governments.

At the Sorsogon rally, Duterte continued his pitch for federalism, saying this would finally keep the national capital from getting the bulk of the national development budget, and help spread development to other regions.

He also reiterated his “all-out war” against illegal drugs, his promise of a clean government under his presidency, and speedy government services.

Promise of 300,000 votes

The PDP-Laban’s gubernatorial candidate in the province promised to deliver 300,000 votes to Duterte.

Gubernatorial candidate Eric Dioneda – son of the late Sorsogon City mayor Leovic Dioneda – made the vow at Duterte’s campaign rally in Sorsogon City on Saturday, April 30.

Dioneda is running against Liberal Party candidate  Robert “Bobet” Lee Robriqueza, the son of Sorsogon Governor Raul Lee of the United Nationalist Alliance.

His sister, Bhem Dioneda, is running for Sorsogon City mayor against the incumbent, Mayor Sally Lee.

Duterte ended his two-day Bicol sortie, which brought him to Daet in Camarines Norte, Naga City in Camarines Sur, and this province. On Friday, some Bicol leaders and candidates formed One Bicol for Duterte 2016, promising to deliver one million voters to the mayor.  – Rappler.com