President Duterte is not being hindered by any Commission on Elections (Comelec) rule to endorse a presidential candidate.

This, after Comelec Spokesperson James B. Jimenez was asked by the media if there is any Comelec rule stopping Duterte from endorsing a presidential bet.

“Well, to be honest, wala (none). Kasi (Because) under our rules and civil service regulations, political officials and officers are actually given a lot of leeway sa pag-i-endorso ng mga kandidato (in endorsing a candidate),” he said during a joint press briefing with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Thursday, April 7.

He added: “I think in the case of the president it’s a question of his leadership, leadership style. Ayaw niya mag-endorse (He does not want to endorse). That’s entirely up to him.”

According to Jimenez, they prohibit the use of government resources for campaigns and not the expression of support to any candidate.

On March 31, Pres. Dutere said he is “neutral” and not inclined to endorse any presidential candidate for the May 9, 2022 polls.

Earlier, he said his successor must be “compassionate and decisive” and someone who is a lawyer. Among the 10 presidential bets, only Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo and Dr. Jose “Joey” C. Montemayor Jr. are lawyers.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by Jel Santos

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