Bato: Duterte’s resignation will only make the opposition happy

MANILA, Philippines — Will President Rodrigo Duterte resign should his son Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte run for House Speaker?

Neophyte Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said Thursday the President should not resign, saying it would only make the opposition happy.

“Well, nasa kanya yan kung tutuparin niya o hindi. Nasa kanya yan. Kung sa akin, bakit ka magresign? Kailangan ka pa namin, kailangan ka pa ng bansa,” Dela Rosa said during the Kapihan sa Senado.

“Ang gusto siguro magresign yung opposition para sila naman ang kapalit. Baka ganun ang gusto nila. ‘Magresign ka. You must be true to your words so that we can be true to our ambitions,’” he added.

President Duterte earlier said he would resign should his son vie for the House speakership.

READ: Duterte: I will resign if Paolo runs to become House Speaker 

“Nadala lang ‘yun [Duterte]. ‘Kasi ayoko talaga si Pulong maging House Speaker pero ngayon naging House Speaker na, anong gawin natin ngayon? Magresign ako?’ Masaya ang oposisyon,” Dela Rosa explained.

The presidential son recently had a change of heart and said he is open to run for the House Speaker race.

READ: Paolo Duterte sets sights on House speakership 

Malacañang, on the other hand, said the President could still “change” his mind about his promise to resign. (Editor: Jonathan P. Vicente)

READ: Palace: Duterte can ‘change’ mind about resigning if son joins Speaker race