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Manila Bulletin devider devider Duterte allies dominate polls; No 'rubber stamp' — Senators

Duterte allies dominate polls; No 'rubber stamp' — Senators

Published May 17, 2019 12:43 am

PUNCHLINE

By FRED M. LOBO

Fred M. Lobo Fred M. Lobo

President Duterte’s allies scored a resounding victory in the May 13 midterm elections, mainly in the senatorial race.

A sign of approval of the Duterte administration and his brand of governance, Malacanang and political analysts said.

***

Latest tallyby the Commission on Elections (Comelec) showed that in the senatorial race, Duterte allies clearly got the majority and were on track to control 9 seats.

Much-needed legislative support for the Palace shaping up.

***

In the latest COMELEC count, re-electionist Sen. Cynthia Villar led the pack with Sen. Grace Poe, former special assistant to the president Christopher “Bong” Go, Taguig City Rep. Pia Cayetano, ex-police general Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Sen. Sonny Angara, former senator Lito Lapid, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, former presidential political adviser Francis Tolentino, former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, and Sen. Nancy Binay. Re-electionist Sen. JV Ejercito and Sen. Bam Aquino were still in contention for the last seat.

Magic 12 mostly wave Malacanang colors.

***

Composing the winning circle were four members of the ruling Partido Demokratikong Pilipinas-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) chaired by  Duterte (Go, Dela Rosa, Pimentel, and Tolentino), five supporters of the Duterte administration (Villar, Cayetano, and Marcos, all of the Nacionalista Party; Angara of Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino and Revilla, of Lakas-CMD who was endorsed by Hugpong ng Pagbabago regional party of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte). Poe is an independent candidate, while Binay belongs to the United Nationalist Alliance.

DU30 allies dominate winning circle.

***

Many Duterte allies also emerged winners in the House of Representatives, gubernatorial and mayoralty races.

“Campaigner”DU30’s convincing power worked in their favor.

***

“This election just gave Duterte carte blanche to push his brand of governance to its logical conclusion -- complete transformation of the nation’s political system,” analyst Richard Heydarian told AFP and other wire agencies.

DU30 still enjoys popularity and has gained the needed political power to sustain his remaining 3 years.

***

Opposition leaders expressed fear that Duterte could rewrite the Constitution to create a “federal republic” he promised  or extend his hold on power.

Fears arise and expressed, as expected, in favor of democratic air.

***

However, Senate President Tito Sotto and newly elected senators said that they would cooperate with Malacanang but will not allow a “rubber-stamp” Senate.

Assurances come in favor of democracy and vibrant governance.

***

“While we expect dissent to continue, we hope that the same be demonstrated   with fairness and within the bounds of the law, as well as with deference to the leaders duly chosen by us electorate,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said.

An administration appeal begging to be heard or  consider.

***

“We have only one government, one nation, one flag. Together let us support it for the betterment  of the country,” he added.

Yes to love of country from all Pinoys, especially from elected officials. Yes to speedy progress after the polls!

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