Duterte lobbies for ‘pet’ senatorial candidates

Bicol-based politicians could apparently risk losing financial aid from the administration if they don't back three senatorial bets of President Duterte in the upcoming elections.

In a recent postdisaster assessment briefing in storm-hit Camarines Sur, the President tried to persuade the local officials to support his Senate bets, saying they could either stay friends or become strangers for the remainder of his term.

"I brought along my three candidates for senator," Duterte said, referring to former Presidential political adviser Francis Tolentino, former presidential assistant Christopher Go, and former police chief Ronald dela Rosa.

"Ganito 'yan (Albay Rep.) Joey (Salceda) eh. ‘Pag matalo 'yan sila, may three years pa ako [This is how it is, Joey. If they lose, I still have three years left]," he said in jest, drawing laughter from the officials.

"Oo. Kailangan ninyo ang pirma ko sa release. Nasa inyo 'yan kasi pwede naman tayo magkaibigan, pwede naman tayong walang imikan. I’ve been used to it [Yes, and you need my signature for the release. That's up to you because we can be friends or we can ignore each other. I've been used to it]," the President said.

Duterte was alluding to the 146 billion estimated road users' tax that he intends to use flood mitigation projects in disasterprone Bicol region. The President was in Camarines Sur last

Friday following the devastating onslaught of tropical depression “Usman” in Bicol and other nearby regions.

In his remarks, Duterte expressed hope that he could convince the Bicol officials with his "drama" about supporting his three Senate bets, just like when he was persuaded by Salceda to support a candidate during their days in Congress.