HOUSE Ad Hoc Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation and Victims Compensation Chairman Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur on Tuesday urged Vice President Sara Duterte to stop her “shame campaign” against administration candidates and called on all political leaders to restore decency, dignity and civility in the conduct of electoral campaigns.
Adiong, a House Assistant Majority Leader, said that while the right to express political views is fundamental in a democracy, resorting to name-calling, threats and vulgar language degrades the very spirit of public service and weakens democratic engagement.
“The Filipino people deserve leaders who inspire by example, not those who intimidate with threats or vulgarity. The public square should be a platform for ideas, not a battleground for insults,” Adiong said.
Adiong issued the statement following a series of scathing remarks and personal attacks by Duterte against Manila Reps. Bienvenido Abante, Joel Chua, Rolando Valeriano and other administration allies.
“This is not the leadership our people deserve. Strong leadership does not require bad language. It requires vision, courage and integrity,” Adiong noted.
The Vice President’s statements have drawn concern not only for their tone but also for their content, which many critics say distract from the real issues voters want to hear about – jobs, education, peace and defending the country’s sovereignty.
“Democracy thrives when we engage in respectful debate, not when we silence or shame one another. Let’s return to a time when policy ideas, not personal insults, defined our national conversations,” Adiong stated.
The House leader emphasized that public officials, especially those occupying high offices, bear the responsibility of setting the tone for civic discourse and must rise above the temptations of theatrics.
“Ang mga salitang binibitawan ng mga lider ay may bigat at epekto. Sa bawat mura at pananakot, nawawala ang tiwala ng mamamayan. Ang dapat ibalik sa politika ay dangal, hindi drama,” Adiong said.
“Ang pamumuno ay hindi tungkol sa pagpapatahimik ng kalaban. Ito ay pagkilos para sa kapakanan ng lahat. Sa halip na manghiya, makinig. Sa halip na manakot, magpaliwanag,” the House leader added.
Adiong also reminded the public that electoral campaigns are not platforms for vengeance but opportunities to present a vision for the country’s future.
“Our youth are watching. What they hear from our leaders becomes the norm. Let’s show them that power can be principled, and politics can be kind,” Adiong said.
“Words matter, especially when they come from people in power. Every statement should promote unity, not division. Politics must not be reduced to drama or spectacle; it should be a solemn duty anchored on truth and compassion,” Adiong continued.
Calling for a new kind of politics, Adiong said the country stands at a crossroads.
“This is not just a political campaign: it’s a cultural shift. It’s time to bring back honor, humility and humanity in public service,” Adiong said
