MANILA - President Aquino warned against the return of authoritarianism and dictatorship, as the tough-talking Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. maintained their lead in pre-election surveys less than 3 weeks before election day.

He alluded to the results of the latest pre-election surveys showing Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. topping the presidential and vice- presidential voter preferences.

He said it will be an "impending tragedy" ("nakaambang trahedya") if Filipinos will elect leaders who will undo the gains of democracy and commit abuses.

He said electing a President who considers himself as always right speaks of an uncertain future for the country.

"Ang tanong: Bibigyan niyo ba ng pagkakataon na mamuno ang mga tao na sisiga-siga o parang kada bukas ng bibig ay mayroong bagong inaaway?" Aquino said as he led the launching of the Freedom Memorial Museum in the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Quezon City.

"Malinaw naman noong martial law: Ang gobyernong binigyan ng kapangyarihan ng taumbayan ginamit ang kapangyarihang iyon para apihin ang sambayan," he said.

He also specifically mentioned Marcos for not apologizing for the abuses committed during martial law.