Partnership with rivals – DU30; Boracay reprieve – Malacañang

PRESIDENT Duterte has called for a “partnership” with rival political parties for the sake of the nation.

Yes to partnership! Time to stop bickering or nothing will happen to us all.

*** “Kalimutan na natin ‘yung mga partido-partido. Partnership na lang tayo [Let’s forget about the political parties. Let’s have a partnership instead],” Duterte told an assembly of supporters at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City last Wednesday night.

Partnership is better than division, folks, Duterte.

*** “Because if we (bicker), nothing will happen. If you keep distance while the others are close…, let’s not do that. Let’s just help each other,” he added.

Unity is better. Bickering will prove unproductive. *** The President, who is chairman of the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) party, also made clear that he does not harbor illwill towards his opponents in the last presidential elections.

No to ill–will.

*** “Kung suportahan ako ng karamihan ng tao [If I will be supported by majority of the people], I will appreciate it],” he said.

Yes to goodwill.

*** “I don’t care if you did not help me, if you were for Binay, Grace, or Mar. That’s over. Why would I be affected? I already won so I’d rather keep quiet,” he added.

No more political colors. Election is over.

*** And if some rivals decide to join the administration party, the President said he welcomes such development as part of the reality of politics.

“That is the culture of politics everywhere na kung sino ‘yung manalo, maglipat doon, pati ‘yung incumbent mayors because you want to help. You must be friends with everybody, including the President, not really because you want to get something,” he said.

*** “It’s not really opportunism, but rather that is really the politics of our times,” he added.

No to opportunism! Yes to realism!

*** Meanwhile, Boracay Island will not be closed for environmental rehabilitation for now, Malacañang has assured.

I won’t be a killjoy for now. Go sun, sea, and sand, folks!

*** Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said that local and international tourists will be free to visit the renowned white-sand islandresort this Holy Week.

“No specific instruction has been made by the President regarding the closure. Right now, it’s status quo,” he said in a Malacañang briefing.

*** “Proceed to Boracay, especially since it’s Holy Week. I don’t think any closure will happen during the peak season of Boracay,” Roque added.

Okay, enjoy your break! Have a blessed Holy Week!