In a rare interview since returning home to Davao City after his presidency on June 30, 2022, former president Rodrigo Duterte revealed on Wednesday that he is happy seeing his children perform their duties well as public servants.
“I supposed that they are doing well. I have not read or heard anything negative, probably they are doing their duty. Maligaya ako dahil nakikita ko yung mga anak ko na nagta-trabaho,” Duterte said in an interview after the ground breaking and time capsule laying ceremony of Converge ICT Solutions’ Bifrost Davao Cable Landing Station in Bago Gallera, Davao City.
The former president also touched on the delicate topic of political dynasty saying in jest that there are already many Dutertes in the government. He believes it is a good thing he is already done with his political life.
“Marami na kaming Duterte mabuti na lang wala na ako. It sometimes go to the issue of dynasty. Much as I have already avoided this thing to happen. Hindi ko kontrolado ang panahon,” he said.
Although no longer as shocking as it would have been when spoken before the election campaign last year, the former president bared he would have wished his daughter Vice President Sara would succeed him.
“For example si Inday, si Inday talaga ang inano ko because I wanted Inday to continue what I have done for the country,” he said.
The reason for wanting VP Sara to succeed him in Malacanang is for continuity and keeping the momentum.
“Ayaw kong masira ang momentum,” he straightforwardly said. It can be recalled that the elder Duterte never endorsed any presidential candidate in the last elections.
He even criticized then candidate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as “a weak leader.”
As to his other children, Cong. Paolo Duterte and Mayor Baste Duterte, the former president had this to say: “Baste is now the mayor and Pulong is the congressman, hindi ko kontrolado at hindi ko rin sila prinogram. Si Baste kay Inday yan, Pulong on his own. Yan talaga ang totoo.”
He also said that Mayor Baste is trying his best to be a good mayor of Davao City.
“We talked sometimes, mga tips lang kung ano ang dapat gawin,” he said.
Meanwhile, the former president said he may be joining the Araw ng Davao celebration this year.
“I would like to thank the people and congratulate the people of Davao for joining us in our journey towards governance at nakita naman natin wala akong masyadong problema sa pagdala sa gobyerno ngayon. Ang problema kasi mga anak ko but by any standard okay sila,” he said.
