In light of recent issues surrounding narratives that negatively portray and degrade specific ethnicities and genders, I would like to take this opportunity to call on candidates running in these midterm polls to be shining examples of tact and integrity during this campaign season.
As the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security of the BARMM and the Chairperson of the National Steering Committee on Women, Peace, and Security, I strongly believe that there should be no place for discriminatory statements that cause division among the Filipino people.
Given our country’s rich and diverse culture, as well as strong interfaith coexistence, these malicious comments are not only hurtful to certain groups and genders in Philippine society but also a regression from the principles of the culture of peace that we are advocating.
As the conduct of the midterm elections in May and the first-ever Bangsamoro parliamentary elections in October are fast approaching, I urge candidates to not only promote their political platforms but also the values of understanding, healing, and unity in their campaign activities.
Let us remember that candidates vying for positions in public office must hold themselves to the highest moral standards as they endeavor to take the lead and meaningfully contribute to our country’s nation-building efforts.
