Davao City (CNN Philippines) — The camp of presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte raised concern over reports of the possible manipulation of results in the May 2016 elections in favor of the Liberal Party.
Peter Laviña, spokesman of Duterte, said Saturday evening (February 6) that they are disturbed by the reports.
He added that their fear is not without basis, saying that the administration, whose standard bearer continues to lag behind other candidates, has the machinery, easy access, and control over the process and technology.
Related: UNA accuses administration of planning to rig polls
“These reports of possible election fraud courtesy of the administration are reflective of the party’s deteriorating image and desperation, and indicative of the public crumbling trust in them,” Laviña said.
“Any attempts to distort the expressed will of the Filipino people, to twist and subvert this sovereign will, will be confronted with massive resistance and defiance — not only from us, but from the entire nation,” he added.
The Duterte camp also urged all Filipinos to be vigilant against forces that will undermine the integrity of the election results.
“Let’s protect our future, our country, our democracy,” said Laviña.
Meanwhile, Duterte’s camp welcomed the latest Pulse Asia survey placing Duterte statistically tied at second place with two other presidential candidates.
Related: Poe overtakes Binay, regains top spot in latest Pulse Asia poll
“[F]or Duterte to maintain a rating of 20 percent at this point is inspiring and is giving us more determination to work hard in our ultimate goal of instituting genuine change in our country,” Laviña said.
