'I don't have a presidential candidate even until December' — Duterte

President Duterte has set the record straight. He does not have a presidential bet for the upcoming elections, even up until the end of year.

"You better disabuse your minds about getting into guesses and assumptions. Wala. Wala akong kandidato (sa) pagka-presidente ngayon hanggang Disyembre (No one. I don't have a presidential candidate now and even until December)," he added during his pre-tapped public address aired Tuesday, May 3.

Duterte also said he requested the members of his Cabinet to remain neutral in terms of their presidential choice and if they have their own candidates, they must keep it to themselves.

But in contrast to the President's pronouncement, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, who heads a faction of PDP-Laban that is being chaired by Duterte, signed a resolution endorsing the candidacy of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

The President said he wants his Cabinet members to "avoid endorsing any candidates, so that there will be no second-guesses or implications that we are supporting this candidate or that candidate."

"Kaya nga tayo dito inaasahan ng mga tao na tayo ang mag-guarantee ng peaceful election at (People are expecting us to guarantee a peaceful elections and) towards that end, importante (it's important) that you are freed of the suspicion that you are for this or for that," he added.

Duterte also repeated his assurance that the government will do everything to ensure that the election is free from violence and that people are not intimidated when they exercise their right to vote.