President Duterte revealed that he has prohibited members of his Cabinet from campaigning for any candidate this election season and that only Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi is allowed to do so because he heads a political party.
Duterte made the statement as the public awaits his decision if he will support a presidential candidate for the May 2022 polls.
In a rare interview, the President told Communications Secretary Martin Andanar that only Cusi can campaign for a candidate because he is the president of PDP-Laban.
"Binawalan ko kayo (I prohibited all of you) except Cusi because Cusi is the party president of a political organization," he said.
"Hindi mo mapigilan ‘yan (You cannot stop him). You cannot deprive him of that right also," he added.
Duterte explained his order, saying he is not allowing any member of his Cabinet to publicly endorse any candidate in order to not compromise their integrity.
"Huwag na kayong sumali para walang masabi. Sabi pa gagamitin ‘yung pera ng departamento mo (Don't do it so the people won't have anything to say. Some may think that you're using your department's money), giving projects here and there," he said.
"Ma-compromise ang political equanimity mo (Your political equanimity will be compromised)," he added.
President Duterte's PDP-Laban party has no presidential candidate this election following the withdrawal of Senator Ronald dela Rosa and his long-time aide Senator Christopher ''Bong' Go from the race.
Since then, the President has expressed that he will not be supporting any candidate himself.
In the same interview, he reiterated that he wants to stay neutral and he will only endorse a candidate if there is a compelling reason.
"I may or I may not but preferably I’d like to stay neutral," he said.