Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 1) — A week before the election, presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has called on his supporters to “exercise restraint especially when faced by supporters from rival candidates.”

“There will be selfish interests who might agitate us in the hopes of fomenting violence or instability. We must resist such agitation, resist mistaking election rhetoric for personal attacks. They are temporary and we will be alright,” Marcos said in a statement on Sunday.

The statement was issued after the chant-off in a mall between the supporters of Marcos and presidential bet Vice President Leni Robredo last week.

Marcos also reiterated his call for unity especially after the election.

“In choosing our next leaders we should not allow the divisive effects to harm one another. Rather we keep in mind that once the choice of the majority is made, we stop being adversaries and remember that we are compatriots under one flag,” he said.

“May 9 is days away, the democratic processes are in place. We are nearing the end of this journey and heading for a new one. Let us all arrive well,” he added.