PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte urged the Filipino voters on Monday, November 5, to "consider" voting music icon Freddie Aguilar, who is seeking a Senate seat in the 2019 midterm elections.
During the inauguration of the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange, Duterte took the "rare opportunity" to endorse Aguilar, who performed a few songs during the event.
Duterte heaped praises on Aguilar, whom he branded as a "brilliant" and "nationalist" man who deserves winning the next year's senatorial derby.
"Freddie is running for senator. Wala akong hiningi sa inyo kung hindi just consider (I am asking you to consider voting him). He is a brilliant man," the President said.
"Kaya ako nakikiusap. Tutal dose man ‘yan. Ibigay ninyo sa isang nationalist, ‘yung isang tao nagmamahal sa bayan (That's why I am asking youn since there are 12 Senate seats, give one to a nationalist man like him, a man who loves his country)," he added.
Duterte raised Aguilar's hand, an indication that the singer has earned the President's endorsement.
Duterte believed that Aguilar can help the country through the music icon's songs that "carry a social message."
"Maybe he can relate or translate his songs in Congress and give him a chance also. Give him a platform to tell us about what he feels," he said.
"Bilib ako, lahat ng kanta niya (I admire him. All of his songs), there is a social message. [Like his song,] Magdalena. They abound everywhere. [And also,] Bulag, Pipi at [Bingi], it says something to the Filipino. In his time, in our generation, he has several messages for the Filipinos to remember," he added.
Aguilar, who filed his candidacy for 2019 polls, is running for senator under the line-up of Duterte's ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan.
The President quipped that he would go after the Filipino electorate who will not vote for Aguilar.
"Tulungan natin si (Let's help) Freddie because he is one exemplary nationalist guy. And do not ever think that Tagalog lang ‘yan (that he's just Tagalog). He is my friend. He is a brilliant guy. He can talk and he can help the country," he said.
"Kaya ako, kasali kayo, ‘pag hindi ninyo binoto ‘yan, bantay kayo sa akin. Isa-isahin ko kayo (That's why I will go after you if you don't vote for him. I will hunt you one by one)," Duterte said in jest. (SunStar Philippines)