Perhaps, even until the last minute.
As the race toward the 2022 elections continues, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar believes that President Duterte may really not endorse any presidential candidate and will stand his ground to stay neutral.
Andanar made the statement as the President ensures a smooth transition to the next administration.
In an interview with Super Radyo DZBB, Andanar said President Duterte would likely stick with his decision not to endorse any presidential candidate.
"Sa ngayon palagay ko wala, eh (As of now, I don't think he has a plan to endorse a candidate)," he said on Wednesday, March 10.
"I think he will stick with his previous statement he will stay neutral," he added.
The acting Palace spokesman recalled that the President's decision is close to his order to the members of his Cabinet to not publicly support a candidate.
"Iyon naman din ang bilin sa amin ni Presidente, iyong mga natitirang Cabinet members na kailangan maging neutral (That's the reminder of the President to the remaining Cabinet members that they need to stay neutral)," he said.
"Kapag hindi ka naging neutral baka mapagdudahan ka na ginagamit mo iyong opisina mo, ‘di ba (If you're not neutral, people may have doubts about you using your office for campaigning, right)?" he added.
Last month, President Duterte revealed that he had 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 explained his order, saying he is not allowing any member of his Cabinet to publicly endorse any candidate to not compromise their integrity.
President Duterte’s PDP-Laban party has no presidential candidate this election following the withdrawal of both Senators Ronald dela Rosa and Christopher ”Bong’ Go from the race.
Since then, the President has expressed that he will not be supporting any candidate.