Insult to Filipinos, Defensor scion calls Duterte-Duterte tandem

‘Insult to Filipinos’, Defensor scion calls Duterte-Duterte Tandem

ILOILO CITY (June 9, 2021) — “Legal but politically wrong.”

“Big insult to the Filipino people.”

That’s how former Iloilo Gov. Arthur D. Defensor, Sr. describes the scenario the ruling PDP-Laban is cooking up to field President Rodrigo R. Duterte to the vice-presidency and his daughter Davao City mayor Sara Duterte to the country’s top post in May 2022 national elections.

Defensor, 79, who describes himself “keen political observer”, calls the arrangement of a vice-presidential candidate choosing a presidential running mate “complete departure from tradition” where the presidential hopeful is given the option to pick his/her running mate.

“It is legal, the law doesn’t prohibit that but it is politically wrong...and an insult to the Filipino people,” Defensor tells Aksyonh Radyo anchor John Paul Tia in his morning commentary today.

Defensor, former PCGG commissioner and House representative, aside from his past as governor, is father of Iloilo incumbent governor Arthur Jr., and 3rd district representative Lorenz. What he sees of the scheme for a Duterte-Duterte tandem, Defensor minces no words: it’s to ensure protection for the “incumbent president” (Rodrigo) from the slew of charges once the opposition wins in 2022. If Duterte’s handpicked gets the presidency, the incumbent gets the protection he needs.

Defensor says he does not eye any elective post but urges his two sons to look beyond their personal interest but think of what is good for Iloilo, what is good for the entire Filipino people.”

His junior and congressman son are members of the ruling PDP-Laban.

“I know them; I leave to it them: no need to rush them to decide. They may or may support the party; they may run as independent, they may join other parties or coalesce with other parties or candidates.” He does not elaborate. (30)


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