Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte's poltical career has never been tainted by allegations of election fraud.
The vice presidential candidate and presidential daughter had to say Monday night, April 11, following reports on the discovery of alleged pre-shaded ballots during the absentee voting for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Singapore and Dubai.
"As a politician, my experience has taught me that Filipinos do not respect those who cheat and engage in election fraud," Mayor Duterte, chairperson of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), said in a statement.
"And I take with great pride in the fact that my history in politics has never been tainted by cheating, fraud, and other election irregularities that could question my integrity and leadership," she said.
As for the alleged pre-shading itself, Mayor Duterte said that it should "not to be taken lightly".
"That my name was allegedly pre-shaded, along with some senatorial candidates, is grossly disconcerting...I never have and will never condone cheating. I won my past elections because the people voted for me," the UniTeam member stressed.
She said the legal team of Lakas-CMD will officially request the Commission on Elections to conduct an investigation into the allegation of electoral irregularities in Dubai and Singapore.
"The same action is also to be requested from the Comelec for future similar reports and allegations — if any.
"Let me also take this opportunity to call on all Filipinos both in the Philippines and overseas to be vigilant against electoral fraud and ensure that your votes are protected," Mayor Duterte said.