Palace to politicians running in 2028: Think carefully if you're qualified
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro (RTVM)
After President Marcos laid out the must-have qualities of the next president, Malacañang advised politicians vying for a position in 2028 to first ensure that they are qualified for the job.
"So, sa mga nangunguna o inuuna ang pamumulitika sa ngayon, mag-isip-isip at baka hindi kayo qualified (So, to those who are prioritizing or putting politics first right now, think carefully; you might not even be qualified)," Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said on Wednesday, Feb. 25.
"So, dapat mag-isip-isip sila kung sila ba ay makakatulong sa bayan o makakapagpayaman lamang ng sarili (They should reflect on whether they can truly help the nation or if they are only capable of enriching themselves)," Castro stressed.
The Palace mouthpiece's statement echoed the President's remark on Tuesday, where he said that the next president should not think about politics, but how to make the Philippines better.
Marcos also said that his successor should be an economist, a nation-builder, someone who loves the country, and is competent.
In his interview during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum on Tuesday, Marcos was asked whether he is considering endorsing a candidate for 2028.
The President admitted that he has actually talked to some personalities, who have declined.
In a Palace briefing on Wednesday, Castro was asked if she has knowledge of who these people were.
The Palace official said she has not yet spoken with the President about the matter, reiterating that the Chief Executive is focused on the job.