President Duterte has cast his vote for his successor, the 17th president of the Philippines, who will be taking over as the country's leader on June 30, 2022.
Duterte arrived at the Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School (DRANHS) in Davao City past 4:30 p.m.
From the moment he sat down on the chair with his ballot, up to the indelible ink touching his right index finger, it took the President around 13 minutes to vote, based on the coverage of the Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM).
LOOK: President Duterte has officially cast his vote. (RTVM Screenshot). @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/tu80rjIOD8
— Argyll Cyrus Geducos (@argyllcyrus_MB) May 9, 2022
After voting, Duterte took time to the people waiting for him and expressed his gratitude for their support over the past six years.
"I will not step down from the presidency. I just want you, the people of Davao, to hear my heartfelt gratitude," he said in Bisaya.
"You were the ones who started my 'journey' to Malacañang," he added.
Even if he will no longer be a government worker starting the noon of June 30, Duterte said he would continue to serve the people.
"I will just be here in Davao, so even as a civilian, whatever I can do for you, like what I told you when I was elected as mayor for the first time, I, Rodrigo Duterte, will remain at your service," the President said.
Meanwhile, President Duterte did not forget to rally support for his children, who were all running for elective posts.
His eldest Paolo is running for reelection as representative of the first district of Davao City. His daughter Sara, the city's incumbent mayor, is running for vice president. Meanwhile, his youngest son Sebastian, the city's current vice mayor, seeks to succeed his sister as the mayor.
"I have children who are running. If you think they are running the city well, then I ask for your help," President Duterte said in Bisaya.
"I also thank you for helping them," he added.
LOOK: President Duterte signed the armchair he used to vote, and is now speaking to the people waiting for him outside the polling precinct. (RTVM screenshots) @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/6oonHWyA65
— Argyll Cyrus Geducos (@argyllcyrus_MB) May 9, 2022
Aside from voting and giving a short speech, Duterte signed the armchair he used -- the same one he sat on when he voted in the 2016 elections. His daughter, Mayor Sara, likewise affixed her signature on her armchair on Monday morning.
Duterte's chair has been preserved in a glass display case.
The President ended his short speech without revealing whom he voted for. The 2022 campaign ended with the President not endorsing any presidential candidate.