President Rodrigo Duterte said in his latest public address he would not be endorsing a presidential candidate to be his successor even until the end of the year.
“You better disabuse your minds about getting into guesses and assumptions. Wala. Wala akong kandidato pagka-presidente ngayon hanggang Disyembre,” Duterte said in his “Talk to the People” address that aired on Tuesday.
Duterte said he had even told his Cabinet members to keep their picks in the 2022 elections private.
“Kung may kandidato ka, just keep it to yourself and vote. But let us avoid endorsing any candidates so that there will be no second guesses or implications that we are supporting this candidate or that candidate,” the president said.
Duterte said he had some individuals he wanted to endorse but he was trying to “avoid politicking” to steer clear from possible election violations.
He had also said his reluctance was due to him still using public funds.
However, he has endorsed the vice-presidential bid of his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.
Duterte-Carpio is running alongside Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., whom her father has called a “weak leader.”
Marcos and Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo are the top two frontrunners to succeeding Duterte, according to several nationwide surveys. John Ezekiel J. Hirro