In the closing stretch of his presidency, President Duterte has pledged to support his successor and pray for the next leader's success in pursuing programs that will further improve the lives of Filipinos.
The President also expressed hope the country's next president would surpass his accomplishments especially in the areas of peace and security, economic development, among others.
The latest statement about the country's next leader was included in Duterte's 2016-2021 final report to the people released by the Palace on July 27. Duterte, elected on a promise to eliminate drugs, crime and corruption in 2016, will end his six-year presidency next year and is not eligible for reelection.
"I would like to assure whoever the next President will be of my unwavering support to his or her Administration," Duterte said.
"I fervently pray for the next President’s success in espousing more initiatives towards our common desire of further enabling each Filipino to attain a more comfortable life," he added.
Duterte also encouraged the country's next president "to continue and draw inspiration from the Filipino spirit of bayanihan and the people-centered development programs that I have espoused."
"May this Administration's accomplishments as felt by ordinary citizens, evoke in you the drive to exceed what we have achieved thus far," he said.
"Likewise, may the economic progress of the country, albeit for a time stalled by the pandemic; the gains of my strong resolve to address peace and security concerns in the archipelago; and the people’s renewed trust and confidence in the government, be your launching pad in pursuing greater feats for the benefit of our people," he added.
Elated by the support of his political group, Duterte recently said he was seriously considering a possible vice-presidential run in next year's elections. He was initially reluctant to seek such post but later decided he might as well run to escape criminal prosecution after his critics threatened to sue him when he steps down from Malacañang next year.
The President's daughter Sara Duterte Carpio meantime has become the frontrunner based on recent presidential polls. Duterte earlier said he had discouraged his daughter from running for president since it was no job for a woman. His daughter however is reportedly open to seeking the presidency.
In his written report to the nation, Duterte admitted that the past five years in office have been challenging, but he remains committed to pursue programs aimed revitalizing the pandemic-hit economy and uplifting the lives of Filipinos in his final year in office.
He has vowed to continue "to champion measures that would reinforce the spirit of malasakit and bayanihan as we recover from the adverse economic impacts of COVID-19."
"Likewise, in our quest to help the hardest hit sectors, we shall continuously employ a whole-of-nation approach akin to our concerted efforts during the early onset of the pandemic," he said.
"With your utmost trust and cooperation, we continue to overcome every obstacle, as we diligently work to provide the Filipino people with a more comfortable life," he said.