By Argyll Cyrus Geducos
President Duterte renewed his resolve to finish what he started, but said that he won’t not know how the country would fare after his term ends in 2022.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the 40th Philippine National Police Academy Commencement Exercises for the "SANSIKLAB" Class of 2019 at Camp General Mariano N. Castañeda, Silang, Cavite on March 22, 2019. ALFRED FRIAS/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO/ MANILA BULLETIN
In a speech during the anniversary of the Philippine Army, Duterte said he will ensure that things are in order during his term as he would not know what the future will hold for the Philippines.
"I do not know what is tomorrow. I am not saying that I’m the only one capable. There are a lot of us --- we shared the responsibility of governance," he said.
"Well, leaves a bad taste in the mouth but I said I do not know would be the next president. I... I’d like to see somebody in the horizon and until now I’m searching," he added.
The President said that because of the uncertainty, he would like to make sure that the country would be in good condition once he steps down as Chief Executive.
"We are not sure of what the tomorrow is, since you already have this, tapusin na natin ito (Let's just finish this). I’d like to finish this war, both Abu Sayyaf, pati komunista (the communists), and the drug problem in about three years," Duterte said.
"God willing, we’d be able maybe just not really completely eradicate it but reduce the activities or the illegal trade and the fighting to the barest minimum," he added.
"Hindi ko kasi alam kung sino ang nakikita ko na --- kaya medyo nandito na rin ako at may konting panahon pa naman. Tapusin na natin ‘to para (It's because I do not know who will be the next president. Since I am here already, and there's still time, let's just finish this)," he continued.
Duterte then reassured that he will be taking full responsibility for everything that will happen as a result of his orders and policies.
"I guarantee you, under my term, I said I assume full responsibility for all that would happen as a consequence of enforcing the law, whether against the criminals, the drugs traffickers of the rebels would want to destroy government," he said.
"Together, let us keep our communities and our nation safe, secure and peaceful for the sake of this country and of our children and of our fellow Filipinos. Let’s do it. Tapusin na natin ito lahat para sa ating bayan (Let's finish it all for the sake of our country)," he continued.