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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Duterte says OP fund not being used for 2022 election campaign

Duterte says OP fund not being used for 2022 election campaign

Published Aug 21, 2021 12:09 pm

President Duterte has assured the public that the contingency fund of the Office of the President (OP) was not being used to fund the campaign of the administration's candidates for the 2022 elections.

President Duterte (ACE MORANDANTE/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO/ MANILA BULLETIN)

Duterte made the statement amid questions about the supposed mishandling of coronavirus (COVID-19) response funds given to the Department of Health (DOH) as cited by the Commission on Audit (COA).

In his pre-recorded public address aired Saturday morning, August 21, the President told the Department of Health (DOH) can tap his contingency fund to pay the allowances and other benefits of healthcare workers and volunteers.

"That's the reason, again, I have to explain to the people na bakit malaki 'yan (why the budget for that is big)," he said.

Duterte dismissed suggestions that his contingency and intelligence funds were being used to fund the campaign of his candidates in the 2022 polls.

"Others said I was asking for it because I will use it as a campaign. Wala akong kandidato, hindi ko nga alam kung sino ang tatakbo. Sabagay, politika eh (I don't have a candidate, I don't even know who's running. Anyway, this is politics)," he said.

Duterte said those thinking that he is using his office's funds for politics can never become president.

"I pity them because they can never be president. These politicians behave the way they are now, I can assure you, they can never be an administrator of the country," he said.

"Kung sila yun, tingin ko (If they win, I think), they will govern miserably," he added.

President Duterte has yet to make up his mind about his political plans in 2022. He, however, said that running for vice president was not a bad idea.

Related Tags

department of health President Duterte Contingency fund covid-19 2022 elections
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