VICE President Sara Duterte has endorsed the candidacy of Team Zamboanga, urging the registered voters to choose wisely when they cast their votes on May 12 midterm polls.
Duterte made the endorsement as she joined the grand rally of Team Zamboanga at UZ Summit Center in Tetuan village, Zamboanga City on Friday, May 2, 2025.
The mayoralty bet of Team Zamboanga is first district Representative Khymer Adan Olaso; Vice Mayoralty bet is former Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco; Kaiser Adan Olaso, first district representative aspirant; and, Putik Village Chief Jerry Perez, second district representative aspirant.
The Team Zamboanga has a complete council slate for the eight-seats in each of the two districts.
Duterte advised the registered voters to choose wisely who to vote and choose those who has the capability to better serve or has already served well the public.
Duterte noted that the new way of vote buying now, especially the incumbents, is through the grant of financial assistance known as Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (Aics) and Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (Akap).
“Tanggapin natin yong pera dahil hindi naman yong pera ng pulitiko. Pera yang ng buwis nating, buwis ng trabajo natin, negosyo natin, lahat na (Let's accept the money because it's not the politicians' money. It's our tax money, our labor tax, our business money, everything),” Duterte told the crowd gathered at the Summit Center.
However, she was dismayed after learning from some people gathered during the rally that they only received P2,000 for Aics and P2,000 for Akap.
“Hanapin ninyo yong kulang,” she said citing each beneficiaries should received P10,000 for Aics and P5,000 for Akap.
On Saturday, May 3, Duterte travelled to Isabela City, Basilan province and together with Senator Robin Padilla endorsed the candidates of the Basilan Unity Party (BUP)-Team Adil.
The BUP-Team Adil candidate for Basilan governor is minority floor leader and Representative Mujiv Hataman. His running mate is Ustadz Alzad Sattar.
The BUP-Team Adil candidate for representative is Maluso Mayor Hanie Bud. (SunStar Zamboanga)