Deputy Majority Leader and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V strongly criticized the proposal for former President Rodrigo Duterte to run again in 2028, calling it a desperate and unconstitutional maneuver that insults the intelligence of the Filipino people.
“This is the most desperate plan I’ve seen. It shows they’ve run out of cards to play,” Ortega stated.
He argued that Duterte’s allies are merely attempting to distract the public from negative issues surrounding their camp.
“Aminadong olats na ang kanilang manok at wala na talagang ibang baraha sa dami ng negatibong isyu laban sa kanila. Buking na buking pang hindi sila pro-Pinoy. Pro-China sila,” Ortega lamented.
Constitutional Prohibition on Reelection
Ortega emphasized that the 1987 Constitution explicitly bars a president from seeking reelection unless the Charter itself is amended.
“Hindi siya puwedeng tumakbo ulit maliban na lang kung amyendahan ang Konstitusyon. This is clear in our laws,” he explained.
Misinformation and Political Deception
The lawmaker warned the public against being misled by political “pambubudol” (deception) and called the move a diversionary tactic to distract from real national issues.
“Pambubudol na naman ito at diversionary tactic. They are trying to distract us from the real issues. Ginagawang komedya at maiwan ang lahat,” he said.
Ortega also condemned the blatant misinformation campaign designed to mislead Filipinos into believing Duterte can legally run again.
“It’s evil to think that we can just fool the people with misinformation when our Constitution strictly prohibits the reelection of a president,” he stressed.
Call for Public Vigilance
Ortega urged Filipinos to stay vigilant and not be swayed by political gimmicks aimed at undermining democracy.
“We must be cautious and not allow ourselves to be deceived by these desperate moves,” he added.
He also called on leaders to focus on pressing national issues instead of fueling political distractions.
“Marami tayong dapat pagtuunan ng pansin na mas mahalaga kaysa sa mga ganitong pakulo,” Ortega noted.
Upholding Democracy and Rule of Law
Reaffirming the importance of democracy and the rule of law, Ortega emphasized that laws should not be twisted for personal gain.
“Our democracy is founded on laws that should not be bent for anyone’s personal ambition,” he said.
He urged Filipinos to reject political stunts and put the country’s welfare first.
“Let us put the country’s interest above all and reject these desperate political moves,” Ortega concluded.