By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday reminded local government candidates not to be swayed by the intense emotions and personal nature of elections, particularly those at the barangay and municipal levels.
Speaking before town mayors during the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) 2025 General Assembly at the Manila Hotel, Marcos acknowledged the heat of elections, especially at the local level.
However, the President stressed that while the election process can be emotionally charged and contentious, it is essential to remember that democracy requires candidates to seek a mandate from the people.
“That is the process of democracy, kailangan nating dumaan sa eleksyon, kailangan natin makuha ulit ang mandato ng tao upang magawa natin ang ating trabaho (we need to go through the elections, we need to secure the mandate of the people),” Marcos said.
Despite the heated competition and the sometimes harsh rhetoric exchanged during campaigns, the Chief Executive underscored the true purpose of public service.
“Ngunit sa init ng kampanya, sa init ng halalan, huwag natin kakalimutan na tayo ay nandito, tayo ay pumasok sa serbisyo na publiko upang tulungan ang taumbayan (But in the heat of the campaign, of the elections, let’s not forget that we are entering public service to help our countrymen),” he said.
He also urged local candidates to remain focused on their mission to serve the Filipino people, especially amid the challenges of a polarized election season.
“Kahit na mainit na nga ang laban, maanghang na ang mga binibitawan na salita, sa puno’t dulo nito ginagawa natin lahat ito para makatulong sa ating minamahal na kapwa Pilipino (Even if the competition is heated, the rhetorics are harsh, in the end, we are doing this for our beloved Filipino people),” Marcos said.
He also reminded everyone to “cool off” and accept the decision of the electorate to allow unity and cooperation to prevail.
“At pagtatapos ng halalan, alam ko kung minsan napakahirap na magpalamig ng ulo ulit. Ngunit kailangan nating gawin yun dahil kailangan natin ang lahat na mga gustong tumulong na magkapit bisig upang magtulungan (And after the elections, I know it’s difficult to calm down. But we need to do it because that is needed for unity to prevail),” he said.
The campaign period for national posts started on Tuesday. Meanwhile, campaigning for local positions will start on March 28, or 45 days before the elections. (PNA)
