Almost three years into his term, President Duterte is now willing to work with his political opponents to advance the country’s interests.

The President has offered a “partnership” to rival political parties for the sake of the nation, saying nothing will happen if they would always bicker.

“Kalimutan na natin ‘yung mga partido-partido. Partnership na lang tayo [Let’s forget about the political parties. Let’s have a partnership instead],” Duterte said during an assembly of supporters at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City last Wednesday night.

“Kasi kung mag-ano tayo walang mangyari eh. Mag-distance kayo eh kasi ‘yung isa, malapit ‘yung isa. Huwag na lang yan. Tulungan na lang tayo [Because if we (bicker), nothing will happen. If you keep distance while the others are close, let’s not do that. Let’s just help each other],” he added.

The President, chairman of the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) party, also made clear that he does not harbor ill will towards his opponents in the last presidential elections.

He said he does not mind if some people supported other candidates since he already won the presidency.

“Kung suportahan ako ng karamihan ng tao [If I will be supported by majority of the people], I will appreciate it],” he said

“Hindi kayo tumulong sa akin, kay Binay kayo, kay Grace, wala na akong pake, kay Mar. Tapos na ‘yun. Bakit pa ba ako mag-ano diyan? Panalo na ako. Kaya ako tahimik na lang ako [I don’t care if you did not help me, if you were for Binay, Grace, or Mar. That’s over. Why would I be affected? I already won so I’d rather keep quiet],” he added.

And if some rivals decide to join the administration party, the President said he welcomes such development as part of the reality of politics. He noted that PDP-Laban party used to be a “moribund party” prior to his candidacy.

“That is the culture of politics everywhere na kung sino ‘yung manalo, maglipat doon, pati ‘yung incumbent mayors because you want to help. You must be with friends with everybody, including the President, not really because you want to get something,” he said.

“It’s not really opportunism, but rather that is really the politics of our times,” he added.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by Genalyn Kabiling

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