Duterte endorses Sandoval husband, wife for Malabon congressman, mayor

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte endorsed the candidacies of Federico “Ricky” Sandoval II and wife Jeannie in Malabon City.

In a pre-recorded video message shown during the rally of PDP-Laban in Malabon on Tuesday, April 2, Duterte called on the city’s residents to vote for the couple.

The husband is running for reelection as representative of the lone district of Malabon City, while the wife is running for mayor.

Duterte vowed to finish the construction of the district hospital in Malabon, which would be called the San Lorenzo General Hospital, and the turnover of some 500 housing units.

In exchange, the President sought votes for the couple, whom he referred to as his “friends.”

“Sisikapin ko na I can give about 500 housing units, ‘yung simple lang kagaya ng sa Marawi…. Secure shelter, materials are strong,” Duterte said.

(I will aim to give about 500 housing units, simple ones like those in Marawi…. Secure shelter, materials are strong.)

“Ang balik niyan ay kung manalo ang kaibigan ko, si Jeannie and si Cong Sandoval…kakampi ‘nyo ako at sa lahat ng bagay tutulong ako…susuporta ako kay Jeannie,” he added.

(If my friends win, Jeannie and Congressman Sandoval, I’ll be your ally and I’ll help you with all matters…I’ll help Jeannie.)

Duterte also warned against meddling with the elections in Malabon.

“Sa mga masasamang loob diyan sa Malabon, you know, itong Pilipinas demokrasya ito…. Ang ating objective is to elect leaders [nang] mapayapa…. Walang oppression,” he said.

(To those with ill intentions in Malabon, you know, the Philippines is a democracy…. Our objective is to peacefully elect leaders…. There should be no oppression.)

The Sandoval couple are members of the ruling PDP-Laban.

The congressman is among the names floated by the party to vie for the speakership in the 18th Congress. (READ: How Duterte’s political style is hurting PDP-Laban in 2019) – Rappler.com