THE Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial ticket is opposed to the idea of killing drug offenders to stop the narcotics trade, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Saturday.

During a campaign rally in Santa Rosa City, Laguna, Marcos said the administration’s candidates believe that the passage of a law empowering the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the local government units (LGUs) is the “right solution” to address drug proliferation and maintain peace and order.

“Sa laban naman sa krimen, alam niyo po, wala po dito sa amin ang naniniwala na ang paglaban sa krimen, na ang paglaban sa droga ay kailangang pumatay ng libu-libong Pilipino. Hindi po ganoon ang tamang paraan upang pagandahin ang kapayapaan, upang labanan ang krimen, upang pabagsakin ang mga drug lord. Hindi po pumatay ng Pilipino,” Marcos said.

“Sumulat po tayo ng mga batas na tunay na magbibigay ng kapangyarihan sa ating mga kapulisan, sa ating mga local government leaders para maitigil lahat ng mga nangyayaring krimen, para ma-itigil lahat po ng mga nangyayaring pagkalat ng droga para sirain ang buhay ng ating mga kabataan,” he added.

Marcos reiterated that the Alyansa ticket’s goal is to promote the Filipinos’ interests and welfare.

He said his preferred candidates also support his firm stance to defend the Philippines from any foreign power, including those that are considered “powerful.”

Marcos assured voters of the coalition’s commitment to help his administration in combating poverty, illegal drugs and crime.

“Magtulungan po tayo, mag-alyansa po tayo ulit upang labanan ang kahirapan, upang labanan ang krimen, upang labanan ang mga drug lord dito sa Pilipinas. Ito po, hinaharap ko sa inyo ang ating Alyansa na siyang gagawa at siyang magta-trabaho upang pabalikin ang kapayapaan dito sa ating minamahal na Pilipinas,” he said.

The Alyansa ticket is composed of former Interior secretary Benhur Abalos; Makati City Mayor Abby Binay; incumbent Senators Ramon Revilla Jr., Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, Imee Marcos and Francis Tolentino; former senators Panfilo Lacson, Manny Pacquiao and Vicente Sotto III; and House lawmakers Erwin Tulfo and Camille Villar.

Alyansa’s campaign manager, Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco, expressed optimism that Laguna voters would pick the administration-backed candidates, citing their impressive track record and plans for the country.

With over 2.14 million registered voters, Laguna ranks fourth among the biggest voting province in the country, making it a strategic battleground heading into the May 12 elections.

The Alyansa bets vowed to bring results-driven leadership to help Marcos in delivering his promises to the Filipino people. Philippine News Agency

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