Palace calls for moratorium on politicking after proclamation of winning senators

May 22, 2019

Malacanang called on Wednesday for a "moratorium" on politicking after the proclamation of 12 winners in the recent midterm elections.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the recently concluded polls have caused so much division among the Filipinos.

"After a gruelling battle, it is hoped that the protagonists lay down their political swords, accept the will of the electorate and bow to the majesty of their sovereign voice, by giving their preferred choices a chance of leading the country towards progress," he said.

"We call on everyone in all sides of the political spectrum to have a moratorium in what appears to most of us as excessive politicking that has only caused more divisions amongst us," Panelo said.

"Now that the political dust has settled with the proclamation of the winners, it is the perfect time for nation-building and for those who triumphed to focus on public service," said Panelo, also chief presidential legal counsel, said.

He said the Palace has been "magnanimous in victory, thanking those who were defeated in the polls for fighting a good battle."

Most of those who won in the senatorial polls are known allies of the President. The Commission on Elections proclaimed the winning senators on Wednesday morning after more than a week of canvassing of votes following the May 13 polls.

Panelo said Malacañang congratulates the newly elected senators who have been entrusted with the mandate of legislating new policies and programs as they commit to refine the current legal framework of the country.

He urged the senators-elect, as well as the incumbent ones, to all join hands in undertaking measures and projects for the betterment of the country and people.

"We express confidence that these newly-proclaimed senators will be fealty to their oath, loyal to the Constitution, obedient to the laws of the land. We are confident that the new Senators will do their best as legislators and enact laws which are not only conscientious but beneficial to the welfare of the nation and its citizenry," he said.

"We remain confident that these new senators, as well as the other incumbent senators will join the President in his dedication of spurring inclusive and sustainable socioeconomic development, implementing the nation’s most ambitious infrastructure program, and creating a foundation for the establishment of a society that will provide lasting peace for the Filipino people as well as give them comfortable lives," he added. Celerina Monte/DMS