Former president Rodrigo Duterte denied that he has plans to return to politics despite a recent statement made by his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, that he and sons—Davao 1st Rep. Paolo Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte—will seek Senate seats next year.
(From left) Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, former president Rodrigo Duterte, and Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte (Wikipedia photos)
The former president shrugged off his daughter’s earlier claims during a media interview in Tacloban City on Sunday, June 30.
“Naniwala ka kay Inday? Susmaryosep naman. I-jamming ka niyan nang husto, lalo na 'pag balabag 'yung tanong (You believe Inday? Oh my God. She’ll make fun of you, especially if you ask senseless questions),” he said.
“Hindi na ako babalik ng politika. Tapos na po ako. Laos na ako. Wala na akong panggastos, wala na lahat. Ang naiwan sa akin siguro, yabang (I will not return to politics. I am finished. I’m a has-been. I don’t have money anymore, it’s all gone. What’s left with me is pride),” he added.
He also contradicted the Vice President, who said on June 25 that even her brothers are planning to run as senators in 2025.
She claimed, too, that younger brother Sebastian will seek the presidency in 2028.
“Saan ka nakakita na nagsama ang tatay pati dalawang anak, magtakbo ng senador? Anong gagawin namin sa Senate (Where did you see a father and his two sons running for senator? What are we going to do in the Senate)?,” Duterte asked.
The former president and son Paolo have regularly placed inside the Magic 12 of various senatorial preferential surveys, while Sebastian has been the most vocal of the three siblings of the Marcos administration.
For the 2022 national elections, the former president planned on pursuing a senate seat but withdrew his Certificate of Candidacy (COC).