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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Duterte says he'll be a 'lame duck' President in final months in office: 'That's natural'

Duterte says he'll be a 'lame duck' President in final months in office: 'That's natural'

Published Mar 4, 2021 06:12 pm

President Duterte is prepared for the eventuality that he is poised to become a lame duck leader when he reaches his final six months in office.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte

The President said it was "natural" for a leader to become a lame duck as his six-year presidency is winding down.

Duterte talked about his rapidly dwindling years in office during the inauguration of new school buildings in Valenzuela City Thursday, March 4.

Elected on a promise to eliminate illegal drugs and corruption, Duterte will step down from office in June 2022 and make way for his elected successor.

"Half a year na lang ako. The other half will be the lame months. Lame duck na ako (I'll be a lame duck)," the Chief Executive said in his remarks. "That is natural. It happens, it will happen," he added.

In the same speech, the President offered to continue to improve the welfare of public school teachers even though he was nearing the end of his term.

He claimed that the government was saving funds to increase the salaries of teachers but the pandemic hit the country.

"We have done our part. Kung mayroon pa ako maidagdag, with the limited time that I have.. almost an ineffective president," he said, before mentioning his imminent lame-duck status.

The President was accompanied by long-time partner Cielito "Honeylet" Avanceña during his visit to Valenzuela City.

Prior to the trip, he went to Bulacan for another education-related public engagement.

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