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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'It's my only job': Duterte, soon to be passionate about politics again

'It's my only job': Duterte, soon to be passionate about politics again

Published Aug 13, 2023 02:46 am

At A Glance

  • Former president Duterte says he has been enjoying retirement despite growing weak due to old age. However, he said he remains passionate about politics.
  • Duterte recently made headlines anew following his unannounced meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
  • Duterte returned to Malacañang early this month to meet President Marcos.

Former president Rodrigo Duterte hinted at returning to the political scene one way or another, saying it is the only job that he has known.

Those who want Duterte's SALN may write his office -- Roque
Former president Rodrigo Duterte (Malacañang file photo)

Duterte said this in an interview on Senator Francis Tolentino's vlog uploaded to the lawmaker's YouTube channel on Saturday evening, Aug. 12.

In the video, the former president said he has been enjoying retirement despite growing weak due to old age. However, Duterte said he remains passionate about politics.

"Politics, still. In the coming days, it would be my passion again. Especially malapit na ang eleksyon (Especially since the elections are coming up again)," he said.

"'Yan lang ang trabaho ko kasi, eh. Politika pati sabi ko 'yung pastime ko, hobbies (That was my only job. Politics as well as I had said my pastime, my hobbies)," he added.

The tough-talking president recently made headlines anew following his unannounced meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Duterte likewise met his successor, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., in Malacañang, early this month. According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the two leaders discussed Duterte's meeting with Xi. The former Davao City mayor likewise offered Marcos some advice.

However, Marcos refused to give specific details about his meeting with Duterte, saying he would like to keep their discussion confidential.

Duterte served as the country's 16th president from 2016 to 2022. His presidency was not a walk in the park, as his administration faced allegations of state-sanctioned killings and human rights violations. He likewise led the country's fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, in his interview with Tolentino, Duterte shared that he enjoyed his trips abroad during his presidency.

"Whenever you are out of the country, especially far from the crowd, the eyes of the public, you get to spend more time outside eating food. Every activity na ma-imagine mo (that you can imagine)," he said.

Related Tags

President Duterte Francis Tolentino
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