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Duterte urges Tugade to run for senator in 2022

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

July 29, 2021, 1:59 am

<p>President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Transportation Secretary Arthur “Art” Tugade <em>(File photo)</em></p>

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Transportation Secretary Arthur “Art” Tugade (File photo)

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday encouraged Transportation Secretary Arthur "Art" Tugade to consider joining the 2022 senatorial race.

In his pre-recorded Talk to the People, Duterte heaped praises for Tugade’s “talent and expertise” in running the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Duterte commended Tugade after the latter cited the DOTr’s accomplishments in the past five years.

“Art, I cannot express in words the appreciation of this government of your talent and expertise in running your department. You are one of the top performers),” he said.

Duerte said Filipinos would lose a competent public official like Tugade, once the Transportation chief steps down from office in June next year.

“Sayang ang gobyernong ito ‘pag nawala ka, sa totoo long (Frankly speaking, the government would be a waste, if you are not here),” Duterte said. “I’d like to congratulate you and we still have a few months to go. I hope you can complete the projects and I hope that you consider running for senator of the Republic of the Philippines. Sayang ka (You will be a great loss [to the Filipino people]).”

Duterte said he made the “right” decision to appoint Tugade as DOTr chief.

He also acknowledged that the country needs Tugade “badly.”

“I think the country really needs you badly. Real bad,” Duterte said. “Hindi ako nagkamali. Mahusay ka kaya kinuha kita (I did not make a wrong decision. You are good, that’s why I appointed you). So it bore fruit. Ngayon nakikita ko na (Now, I can see that) I made the right decision).”

Tugade, for his part, said he is “happy and humbled” by Duterte’s “generous” remarks.

Duterte has yet to reveal the final list of his preferred senatorial candidates in the 2022 national elections.

However, Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone on July 20 bared that Duterte already has an initial list of his senatorial bets.

The initial list includes Tugade, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Gregorio Honasan II, and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo.

Other public officials also listed in the slate are Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission Chairperson Greco Belgica, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairperson Benhur Abalos Jr., Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, and House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda.

Former senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, broadcaster Raffy Tulfo, and actors Robin Padilla and Willie Revillame are also part of the possible lineup. (PNA)

 

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