MANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Friday urged politicians and voters to give Moros and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) a chance to lead in government.
"Give our brothers and sisters a chance to lead. The Moros and Lumads need to be given importance. They shouldn’t be viewed as marginalized sectors," Duterte said in the vernacular during his speech at the Hugpong ng Pagbabago - Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod miting de avance in Davao City.
The President cited the importance of the groups having a voice in decision-making.
"They must have a voice to be able to tell the truth and what is in their heart. You should not just continue to hold grudges and wage wars out of the resentment that you were forgotten and left out," he said.
"It is only when they feel that they are being marginalized, that they do not have a voice. That is the only time when we can’t exactly control how people think or condition them to think the right way," he added.
Duterte said no one should be left behind as he pushed for an inclusive government well-represented by different sectors and groups.
"No one will be able to say that anyone was left behind, all of us included. And besides, no matter what you do to Davao, whether you make peace or wage war, it will still remain as a city for the people," he said.
Duterte also reminded voters to choose their leaders wisely, especially after his term ends in 2022.
"What we have to prepare for is when I step down from the presidency. This coming elections, choose your leaders wisely. Make sure that they are good because it’s no longer my time," he said. (PNA)
