Philippines
National
Marcos urges politicians not to forget purpose in running for office amid fierce campaign
Marcos urges politicians not to forget purpose in running for office amid fierce campaign
Despite heated exchanges and fierce campaigning, politicians vying for local and national government seats must not forget their reasons for running—to help the people.
President Marcos made the remark at the 2025 general assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) held at the Manila Hotel on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
"Ngunit sa init ng kampanya, sa init ng halalan, huwag natin kakalimutan na tayo ay nandito, tayo ay pumasok sa serbisyo na publiko, upang tulungan ang taumbayan (Despite the fierce campaigning and elections, let us not forget that we are here, we entered public service, to help the people)," Marcos told local chief executives.
"Kahit na mainit na nga ang laban, maanghang na ang mga binibitawan na salita, sa puno't dulo nito ginagawa natin lahat ito para makatulong sa ating minamahal na kapwa Pilipino (Even though the competition is getting fierce, exchanges are starting to get heated, the root of this all is to help our fellow Filipinos)," Marcos added.
"Huwag natin sana makakalimutan 'yan (May we not forget that)," he went on.
He cited how local elections are equally as intense as the national polls, telling the local chief executives to bear with it as it is a democratic process.
Even in barangay level elections, personal squabbles between candidates cannot be avoided, the President said.
"Ang pinakamainit na eleksyon ay barangay, e, dahil puro magkakakilala, puro magkakamag-anak kaya nagkakapersonalan (The hottest elections are in the barangays because all of them know each other and even relatives so, personal squabbles cannot be avoided)," the President said.
"Mainit pa rin kahit sa municipality and tama 'yan, that is the process of democracy, kailangan nating dumaan sa eleksyon. Kailangan natin makuha ulit ang mandato ng tao upang magawa natin ang ating trabaho (It is also intense in the municipalities, and that's right, that is the process of election. We need to get the people's mandate again for us to do our job)," the President added.
He made the statements a day after attending the kick-off proclamation rally of the administration-backed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas Senate slate in Laoag City on Tuesday night.
In the proclamation rally, he endorsed the candidates of the Alyansa by taking a swipe at the previous administration and its allies, pointing out that no one of his candidates are linked to crimes related to the drug war and the now banned operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), and none of them acts like a false prophet associated to violations against women and children.
When the election fever dies down, Marcos further said, politicians must regain the composure to serve and work with people for one agenda—to help Filipinos.
"At pagkatapos ng halalan, alam ko kung minsan napakahirap na magpalamig ng ulo ulit. Ngunit kailangan nating gawin yun dahil kailangan natin ang lahat na mga gustong tumulong na magkapit bisig upang magtulungan (And after the elections, I know it's not easy to cool down. But we need to do it because we need all those who want to help on board)," he said.
Serve beyond your terms
In his speech, the Chief Executive also urged elected officials to continue the work they have done even after their terms have ended.
"So, we carry a mission that is more crucial than ever: we must lead and we must lead with integrity, serve with competence, and govern with a vision that extends beyond our terms in office," Marcos said.
He also encouraged local chief executives to reflect on the work that they have done, and continue to embrace their commitment to public service beyond their terms.
"And whatever path you choose after this, whether you seek another mandate or move on to a new chapter in your lives, I trust that you will embrace the same grit, passion, and commitment to service," Marcos said.
"Even beyond your tenure, I hope that you will adopt and sustain the reforms that we have introduced in national and local government," he added.
The LMP general assembly gathered more than 1,400 municipal mayors from across the country. The four-day event, which will run until Feb. 13, features plenary sessions, policy discussions and an exhibit showcasing products and services beneficial to municipalities, promoting innovation in governance and economic development.
It also serves as a platform for forging partnerships between local governments and key stakeholders from the public and private sectors.