Duterte to Cayetanos: ‘Kailan kaya matapos ang dynasty niyo?’
MANILA, Philippines — In his usual facetious mood, President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday teased the Cayetano clan about their apparent political dynasty in the city of Taguig.
In his speech at the launching ceremony for mobile app “911 TESDA” in Taguig City, Duterte addressed the Cayetano family: “Kailan kaya matapos ang dynasty niyo?” (When will your dynasty end?)
Duterte let loose of such a statement while Speaker and Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano shared the stage with him.
Also attending the event was Cayetano’s brother Lino, the incumbent Taguig City Mayor; and the House leader’s wife, Lani, who is currently Taguig City representative.
Meanwhile, Cayetano’s sister Pia, who is not present in Tuesday’s event, is presently a senator.
READ: Taguig voters still go for Cayetanos
However, Duterte also acknowledged that his family has its own political dynasty in his hometown Davao City where his children now hold key local posts.
“Well you can ask the same question safely with me,” he said.
Duterte’s eldest daughter, Sara, was reelected mayor of Davao City while his youngest son, Baste, won his first elective post as the city’s vice mayor.
The President’s eldest son Paolo, who was former Davao City vice mayor, is now a Davao City representative.
READ: As expected, Duterte children dominate Davao City elections
Duterte said he is now thankful that Baste, whom he described before as a womanizer, now only cares about the public’s interest.
“Bilib na ko ngayon eh may haircut na. Walang ginawa (dati) sa buhay niya kundi babae. Ngayon he worries about the public interest,” Duterte said.
“Si Pulong ‘di ko na nakikita papalit-palit ng partido… baka i-NPA nalang ‘yan mabuti pa,” he added.
Duterte had admitted political dynasties are bad for the country but, he said, it was the fault of Filipino voters who keep on electing members of the same families to government posts.
“It is really not good if all belong to just one family for so many years. The problem is the people,” Duterte said last month during the oath-taking ceremony of his youngest son, Baste, in Davao City.
READ: Duterte blames voters for political dynasties
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