Poll bets hit for cursing, name-calling in sorties

MANILA, Philippines – Candidates in the May 9 elections who resort to name-calling and cursing in campaign sorties are setting a bad precedent for the youth, a party-list lawmaker said yesterday.

Rep. Lito Atienza of Buhay party-list expressed dismay over the cursing of some candidates, particularly Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who is running for president.

“Saying cuss words and telling people that he is willing to kill are not good for the next generation of leaders,” Atienza said.

Atienza also cited San Juan City Rep. Ronaldo Zamora who was seen on video hurling invectives and threatening families in Barangay Pasadena during a recent campaign.

Zamora’s behavior was apparently caused by supporters of reelectionist Mayor Guia Gomez who shouted “Guia pa more” as he was enumerating his accomplishments for San Juan.

“Candidates like them will not help the country’s economy or relations with other countries. They are bad models for the youth,” Atienza said.

Atienza, who was a former Manila mayor, is seeking his second term as representative of Buhay party-list.