FILIPINOS must reject the return of the main characters in the previous administration to allegedly protect the country from a future dominated by foreign control, illegal drugs and POGOs, criminal syndicates, rampant corruption and unchecked abuses of power.
This is according to Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun, who warned that allowing former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte to regain full political control beyond 2025 would purportedly bring back the worst failures of their administration – China’s growing influence in Philippine waters, state-sponsored killings, illegal POGO operations and large-scale corruption in government.
“Pinakita ng dating administrasyon kung ano ang mangyayari kapag isang pamilya lang ang may hawak ng kapangyarihan. Pinabayaan nilang apak-apakan tayo ng China sa West Philippine Sea, hinayaan nilang mamayagpag ang mga sindikato ng ilegal na POGO, at iba pa. Gusto ba talaga nating bumalik sa panahong iyon?” Khonghun said.
He stressed that a return of the Duterte brand of governance would weaken Philippine sovereignty and expose the country once again to lawlessness and impunity.
“We cannot forget how Duterte bowed to China and set aside our victory at The Hague. Under his watch, China built military bases in the West Philippine Sea, while Filipino fishermen were harassed and blocked from our own waters. Now, they want to return to power? The Filipino people should not allow it,” Khonghun said.
He also warned against electing pro-Duterte senators, saying that a Senate dominated by Duterte allies would only push the country back to foreign appeasement and national betrayal.
Khonghun also called on Filipinos to remember the illegal activities and abuses that flourished under Duterte’s rule.
“Noong nakaraang administrasyon, naghari ang ilegal na POGO, lumakas ang extrajudicial killings at iba-ibang alegasyon ng katiwalian. Alam na natin ang epekto nito sa bansa. Bakit natin hahayaang bumalik ang ganitong sistema?” he said.
He cited specific examples of the Duterte administration’s failures.
“Under the previous administration, illegal Chinese-run POGOs flourished, bringing crime, money laundering and human trafficking. They were only shut down when President Marcos stepped in. Do we want these syndicates back in full force?” Khonghun declared.
“We saw thousands of Filipinos – mostly the poor – gunned down in the streets without due process while drug lords and corrupt officials walked free,” he added.
“We have to investigate the allegations that the previous administration plundered billions meant for public health. Funds for face masks, PPEs and medical supplies were funneled into pockets of corrupt officials. Filipinos must remember this theft when they vote,” he said.
Khonghun also took aim at VP Duterte, saying her impeachment case is a crucial test of whether the country will hold the Duterte family accountable for its abuses.
He also emphasized that the upcoming elections will determine whether Filipinos will allow the return of a government tainted by corruption, extrajudicial killings and foreign appeasement.
“This election is about choosing whether we move forward as a strong and independent nation or fall back into the hands of those who sold us out to foreign interests. Ang boto ng taumbayan ang magpapasya kung mananatili tayong biktima ng pang-aabuso o maninindigan tayo para sa tamang pamamahala,” Khonghun said.
He issued a strong call to action, urging Filipinos to reject Duterte’s allies and vote for leaders who will defend the country’s sovereignty, uphold justice and ensure transparency in government.
“The power is in the hands of the people. Reject the candidates who are Duterte’s pawns. Choose leaders who will fight for a stronger, sovereign, and corruption-free Philippines,” he said.
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