PDP’s one-two punch Maguindanao Rep. Sajid “Dong” Mangudadatu, former Philippine National Police Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa, former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, reelectionist Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and former political adviser Francis Tolentino get their hands raised by President Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Manny Pacquiao at the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino campaign kickoff. YUMMIE DINGDING ">PDP’s one-two punch Maguindanao Rep. Sajid “Dong” Mangudadatu, former Philippine National Police Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa, former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, reelectionist Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and former political adviser Francis Tolentino get their hands raised by President Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Manny Pacquiao at the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino campaign kickoff. YUMMIE DINGDING

Hypocrisy is outmoded in the campaigns for the midterm elections as President Rodrigo Duterte slammed what he said is the pretense of some candidates, saying they are all talk but no action.

At the proclamation and kick-off rally of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) held in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Mr. Duterte lamented how many of those seeking to be elected into office are good at finding fault in others but not in themselves.

“I am a candidate, if I win, I will steal,” the Chief Executive sarcastically said in front of an estimated crowd of 50,000.

“I will steal, but I will share it with you – but only just a little bit,” he added.

He then segued into saying his preferred bets are the “bright ones.”

“I’m trying to impress you with people who will work hard and are not arrogant,” he said.

He added he is not pointing at anybody, “but take a look at these people.”

Witnessed by mostly members of the different chapters of the PDP, Mr. Duterte endorsed the candidacies of incumbent Maguindanao Rep. Sajid “Dong” Mangudadatu, former Philippine National Police Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa, former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, reelectionist Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and former political adviser Francis Tolentino.

Collectively, the PDP slate is known as Mabago ko ‘to (I can initiate change), whom the President described as “fundamentally honest” and “loves the country.”

He also raised the hands of guest candidates Senators Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito and Cynthia Villar, who are seeking another term in the Senate, Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano and showbiz personality Freddie Aguilar – all “personal choices” of Mr. Duterte who is also the chairman of the PDP.

Sen. Manny Pacquiao, the administration bets’ campaign manager, also graced the event.

The boxing champion-turned lawmaker told the audience to blame him if all of them fail to deliver on their campaign promises if elected.

Destructive politics is in full swing among the yellow alliance in the forthcoming midterm polls.

Apparently to gain public attention and improve their poor chances at the ballot, some members of the opposition Otso Diretso senatorial ticket have resorted to name-calling by attacking pro-administration candidates who were among the favorites in recent poll surveys.

During a rally in Naga City on Wednesday, senatorial bets Erin Tañada, Chel Diokno and Romulo Macalintal, who have been rating very poorly in all the surveys, took potshots at the pro-administration bets.

Tañada lamented their inability to produce a movie to promote their candidacy, but stressed, “We are brighter than those on the other side.”

Diokno said, “We at Otso Diretso have track records while they have a different record.” He did not elaborate.

For his part, Macalintal said, “They say we are not known. That is true. We are not known to be robbers.”

Meanwhile, while the opposition started resorting to “dirty politics,” members of the pro-administration Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HnP) continued presenting their political platforms to residents in Northern Luzon.

In Olongapo City, HnP leader Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, however, maintained a person is considered innocent until proven guilty in the proper court.

“It’s very unfair to judge a person without conviction,” said Duterte-Carpio, who was with the HnP senatorial ticket since its launching in Pampanga on Wednesday.

In Manila, reelectionist senators have crossed party lines at a rally Wednesday in Tondo.

Sen. Nancy Binay of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) said the rally, organized by fellow reelectionist Sen. Grace Poe, recognized unity is never equated to heterogeneity of the Senate.

Meanwhile, Sen. JV Ejercito’s reelection bid got the backing of Aeta communities in Tarlac.

The Aetas under the Bamban Aeta Tribal Association and Philippine Katutubo Association, together with different Aeta associations in Region 3, adopted a manifesto expressing gratitude and unity behind Ejercito because of his Universal Health Care measure.