PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte has warned that he would use military force to ensure peaceful and free national elections in 2022.
In his speech at the inauguration of the new Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital, the chief executive called on the public to “stick to the rule of law and avoid violence” during the elections.
“Nobody wants trouble, nobody wants cheating. Nakikiusap na ako, I am pleading, almost praying that people will really stick to the rule of law and avoid violence,” Duterte said Friday, September 24.
“Kasi kapag hindi, unahan ko na kayo (Because if not, I’ll go ahead), then I will be forced to use the might of the military, not for any purpose but to see to it that the election is peaceful and violence-free,” he added.
Duterte continued, saying: “Either we have an election that is free or I will use the military to see that the election is free.”
According to him, the military is “the guardian” of the Philippines.
“I could call them anytime to see to it that people are protected and election’s freely, orderly exercised,” Duterte added.
The president made the statement ahead of the filing of the certificates of candidacy on October 1 to 8 this year.
For its part, the Comelec assured that it is closely working with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure that the elections next year are orderly and peaceful.
“It should also be noted that, in those instances where violent incidents threaten the integrity of the elections, the poll body has the authority to take such steps as may be necessary to address the situation, including but not limited to the imposition of Comelec control on specific parts of the country,” said Comelec spokesman James Jimenez.
The election period starts on January 9 until June 8, 2022. During this period, the gun ban is in effect, which means “bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons, unless authorized in writing by Comelec, is prohibited.”
The campaign period for national positions will begin on February 8 to May 7, while the campaign period for local positions will be from March 25 to May 7.
So far, Senators Panfilo Lacson and Manny Pacquiao, as well as Manila Mayor Isko Moreno have declared their presidential bids.
Meanwhile, running for vice president are Duterte, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, and Dr. Willie Ong.
The 2022 national elections will be held on May 9, 2022.
