Ecija board member says a Duterte on politics : “handa akong mamatay at magpapatay”

CABANATUAN CITY – A close ally of Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali and Vice Gov. Jose Gay Padiernos has become a scene-stealer, stealing the thunder from the two top officials of the province by saying a mouthful ala Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, declaring she is ready to die and to order a killing because these are necessary evils in politics.

          Speaking during the inauguration of the new municipal hall of San Antonio town Thursday, an outspoken Board Member Tess Patiag minced no words, creating a stir when she said she is willing to sacrifice her life and take life in return as a politician.

          “Handa akong mamatay at magpapatay (I’m willing to die and to order killing myself), Patiag said without batting an eyelash before a flustered audience that includes Umali and Padiernos.    

          She said anyone should be prepared for anything that comes once he or she entered politics. “Kung gusto mong maglingkod, harangan ka man ng sibat (If you want to serve, even if your path is blocked with a spear, you can’t be deterred),” she added.

          Patiag then told the people not to fear and that they should be fearless.

        However, Patiag, who is supporting the gubernatorial bid of Umali’s wife, third district Rep. Czarina, later contradicted herself,  saying public servants should be pro-people and should not resort to violence to achieve political ends.

“Politicians should order nobody killed,” she said.

        

        Reacting to Patiag’s pronouncements, Umali who is chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) said he himself was surprised.

          He said no one has the right to take the life of anyone. Nobody is above the law,” he said. (Manny Galvez)