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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Duterte feeling 'tired' as 'finish line' nears

Duterte feeling 'tired' as 'finish line' nears

Published Mar 20, 2021 12:05 pm

The daily demands of the presidency have left the country's leader feeling exhausted.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the Joint National Task Force-Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-RTF ELCAC) Region 8 meeting at the Summit Hotel in Tacloban City, Leyte on March 18, 2021. KARL NORMAN ALONZO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

In his recent visit to Leyte, President Duterte admitted growing weary as he got near the "finish line" of his presidency.

Duterte, elected on a promise to eliminate illegal drugs and corruption in 2016, will end his six-year term on June 30, 2022. He will no longer be eligible for reelection.

"Pagod na ako (I am tired),” the President said during an assembly on the government's efforts to combat the local armed communist conflict in Tacloban City , Leyte Thursday, March 18.

Duterte, a former Davao City mayor, made the candid admission while discussing the government's land distribution, as well as the housing and livelihood programs for former rebels. He designated concerned agriculture, housing and land reform officials to implement these programs during his speech.

"Iyong ayaw mag-uma (farm), ayaw mag --- they do not want to till the land. Nandito si General (Eduardo) Del Rosario, ‘yong sa Human Settlement. Puro ito si --- puro general ito, si (Senator) Bong (Go) lang ang presidente, ay… Ayaw mo, Bong? Ah ‘di mamili tayo kasi ayaw ko rin. Ayaw ko. Pagod na ako (Those who don't want to farm, they do not want to till the land, General Del Rosario is here, Secretary of Human Settlement, they are all generals. Only Bong is the president. You don't want Bong? Let's choose because I don't want it. I am tired)," Duterte said.

"Ibigay natin ito ngayon at (Let's give it now and) I will order the Secretary of Agriculture ," he added.

Duterte said Agriculture Secretary William Dar would provide farm support, including seeds and fertilizers, to help rebel returnees make their lands productive. "Iyan lang man ang hinihingi to make a land productive. Ibigay namin (We will give them)," he said.

As he tackled the government projects to help former rebels rebuild their lives, Duterte said he was uncertain if he could still witness the full implementation of these programs since his term was winding down.

"Ewan ko kung makakaya ko pa maabutan. 'Pag wala, kayo na ang magpasensya kasi ang panahon ko paliit nang paliit na (I don't know if I can reach it. If not, bear with us because my term is narrowing down)," he said.

The President previously recognized the heavy burdens of the presidency, that included long working hours but with measly pay as well as constant criticisms and insults from rivals.

Given such hardship, Duterte discouraged his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte from running for presidency. He claimed that presidency was no job for a woman due the emotional difference to men.

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