VICE President Sara Duterte yesterday, April 30, joined local and national candidates in a campaign sortie here and urged voters not to engage in vote-buying during the upcoming elections.
Duterte arrived at the Barangay Macabalan Covered Court as part of a PDP-Laban rally alongside the party’s 10 senatorial bets. The event was led by Councilor and re-electionist Girlie Balaba.
During the rally, Duterte raised the hands of several candidates, including PDP-Laban members Joyleen Mercedes Balaba and Eric Salcedo. She also raised the hands of independent candidates, including mediaman Domer Postrero, Raven Pitogo, and Anthony Atterviry.
Also in attendance was Iligan City mayoral candidate and former Phividec Administrator Franklin Quijano, along with other local candidates from Misamis Oriental.
In her speech, Duterte strongly discouraged vote-selling, saying it erodes mutual respect between the electorate and elected officials.
“Kami sa Davao, dili kami ga budget ug para pampalit sa boto. Kabalo mo ngano? Mawala ang respeto sa usa’g usa,” she said.
She emphasized that vote-buying reduces the electoral process to a mere transaction and contributes to recurring political problems.
“Mao nang kada election na lang, mag lalis-lalis ang atoang problema,” she added.
Independent candidate Anthony Atterviry expressed gratitude after receiving Duterte’s endorsement.
“I don't mind kung mapildi ko, basta ang point nako, Duterte gyud ko,” he said, adding that he will remain loyal to the Duterte family regardless of the election outcome.
Atterviry also said he will continue campaigning vigorously, asserting, “I will not make it easy for my fellow candidates.”
