While President Duterte's choice of a successor remains unclear, Malacañang said that presidential candidates seeking his endorsement only show that he remains an influential political figure even towards the end of his term.

In a statement sent to reporters, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said seeking the President's endorsement is a clear acknowledgment that the Chief Executive has done a "very good job."

" Vice President Leni Robredo is open to the endorsement of the President. former Senator Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos is also asking for the endorsement of the President. Si Ka-Leody nakausap ko at siya naman ay bukas pag siya ay in-endorse ni Presidente Duterte (Ka Leody is also open if the President endorses him)," Andanar said.

"What is important to us is that our President remains very relevant," he added.

According to Andanar, Duterte has defied taking the traditional path of Filipino leaders who became "lame ducks" before they bow out of office.

"Our President is not following the footsteps or the path of the tradition that the President becomes (a) lame duck or when the President’s endorsement becomes a kiss of death," he noted.

Andanar earlier said that it is still unclear if Duterte will support a presidential bet despite the decision of his party, PDP-Laban, to endorse the candidacy of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

"The President himself has not given any statement on the issue or if he or if he is not supporting this or that president," Andanar told reporters.

"Ito ay malinaw na desisyon ng partido pero hindi malinaw kung ito rin ang gusto ni Pangulong Duterte (This is a clear decision of the party but it is not clear if this is also what President Duterte wants)," he added.

Since the start of the campaign season, Duterte remained firm in his stance not to endorse any presidential candidate for the May 2022 polls, adding that he prefers to “stay neutral."