By Argyll Cyrus Geducos
Malacañang reminded the public that President Duterte has not authorized anybody to solicit or accept campaign funds for the 12 senatorial candidates that he is supporting in the upcoming May 13, 2019 polls.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the President would not allow anybody to accept or solicit for campaign funds for his preferred candidates.
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo
(OPS / MANILA BULLETIN)
"It has come to the attention of the Office of the President that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's name has been used or dropped to solicit or accept campaign funds, contributions or materials in favor of the senatorial candidates he has personally endorsed," Panelo said.
"For everyone's information and guidance, the President has not authorized anyone in either the private or public sector, including government agencies like the Bureau of Customs, to resort to such illegal undertakings," he added.
Panelo then warned the public about the scheme and reminded them that it is not the President's character to make such order.
"The people by now should know that such a practice goes against the very principle which this administration protects and advocates," he said.
"The general public is therefore forewarned and violators given a stern warning to cease and desist from these unlawful activities," he added.
The Palace official then appealed to those who were asked to make donations or contributions to the campaign of Duterte's bets to report to authorities.
"Any person, regardless if one works in the government as an official or employee, who is or has been made the subject of solicitation using the name of the President, whether deliberate or inadvertent, should report immediately such fraud to the National Bureau of Investigation or to other law enforcement agencies," Panelo said.
"This is yet another money-making scheme and those involved in this scam shall be dealt with in accordance with law," he added.
President Duterte expressed that he is supporting the senatorial bid of former Special Assistant to the President Bong Go, former Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa, and former Presidential Political Adviser Francis Tolentino.
He also said that he would support the candidacy of Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos because she was one of the two people who supported him in the 2016 presidential race.
Duterte also said he would endorse re-electionist Senators Cynthia Villar and Sonny Angara, Congresswoman Pia Cayetano who is eyeing a Senate comeback, and former Senator Jinggoy Estrada.