‘Vote for Mar’- Duterte’s dare

President Duterte dared the electorate in the 2019 midterm polls to vote for former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, who is seeking a Senate seat, to see if he has a better way of dealing with the drug menace.

The President made the statement on Thursday night during the distribution of certificates of land ownership award to land reform beneficiaries on Boracay Island.

Reminding local officials not to get involved in the illegal drug trade, Mr. Duterte said he would have no problem if the public goes with Roxas for a change.

“Don’t do it during my watch, not while I am President. Lie low for three years, and if you want to come back, then do it,” he said.

The President then told his audience: “Vote for Roxas; he’s an Ilonggo. Vote for him, there’s no problem there.”

2016 presidential race

In the wake of losing to Mr. Duterte in the 2016 presidential race, Roxas to a great extent avoided the spotlight for a long time. A month ago, he recorded his testament of office for representative under the Liberal Party.

Should Roxas run again for President, Mr. Duterte stated, the general population may vote in favor of his crushed opponent to check whether he could end the unlawful medication exchange.

“I figure Roxas will run once more. For what reason don’t you attempt and see with your own eyes? You can just quantify a man’s stamina for completing a specific action for his fellowmen,” Mr. Duterte said.