Who will be his preferred successor next year?
For now, President Duterte does not see anyone “deserving” who can take his place when his six-year constitutional term ends next year.
“Wala (None) pastor. Looking at a political horizon... Wala akong nakita na deserving (I don’t see anyone deserving),” Duterte said during an interview with his friend religious leader Apollo Quiboloy Tuesday, June 8.
Duterte gave the comment when Quiboloy asked him about his potential successor next year.
The religious leader earlier expressed support for a possible vice-presidential bid of Duterte, but the President sounded reluctant and preferred to return home to Davao City and retire next year.
But when Quiboloy pressed Duterte on who may continue his legacy, the President admitted that he had someone in mind. Duterte however preferred to stay "neutral" for now and would eventually name his preferred choices.
“Mayroon pero mabuti na lang mag neutral na rin ako pero mayroon diyang mga aspirants (There is but I’d stay neutral. But there are aspirants) I may publicly name them when the time comes,” he said.
Duterte, a former Davao City mayor, explained that the presidency requires more than what he has seen in the potential aspirants.
“I do not mean to insult anybody but it takes more than just what you will show today, na kaya mo ngayon (you are capable now). It’s much more than that, the presidency is more than that,” he added.
Last week, the Palace revealed that the President’s choices as possible successor next year. The list includes the President’s daughter Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio, former aide and now Senator Christopher Go, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and Senator Manny Pacquiao.
READ: Duterte to daughter Sara: Don't commit the mistake of running for president
The President’s political party PDP-Laban has urged him to run for vice president and pick his running mate. Some supporters have also called for a Duterte-Duterte tandem in next year's elections.
But when Quiboloy asked Duterte about the possible vice presidential run next year, the President said he was “ready for retirement.” He has also discouraged his daughter from running for president since the post was a thankless job.
READ: Duterte 'resists' calls to run for VP: 'I'm ready for retirement'