Former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio (INQUIRER.net file photos)
MANILA, Philippines — Presidential aspirant Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said his running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, wants to head the Department of National Defense (DND) should they clinch the victory in the May 2022 elections.
Marcos Jr. admitted he was surprised when Duterte-Carpio told her she wanted to serve in his Cabinet as Defense Secretary. However, he thinks it is a good idea.
“It seems like it’s going to be a good idea dahil tama rin ‘yung kanyang sinasabi. Sabi niya ‘’Yung problem of security, problem of terrorism, kami sa Davao biktima kami lahat diyan at marami na kaming mga programa na ginagawa na nakatulong,’” Marcos Jr. said.
(What she’s saying is also correct that the problem of security and terrorism are experienced in Davao and they already have many programs that have helped.)
Marcos described the Davao City mayor as a “very intelligent person,” adding that her ideas “would be of value.”
“In the sense of defense, outsider siya. I’m sure marami siyang bagong ideas na naiba doon sa mga dati na dapat tingnan,” he said.
(In the sense of defense, she’s an outsider. I’m sure she has many ideas different from those from before.)
Duterte has said she would push for mandatory military service for all Filipinos 18 years old and above should she win as the next vice president.
READ: If elected VP, Sara Duterte will push for mandatory military service for all Filipinos
Marcos Cabinet
Should he win as the country’s next president, Marcos Jr. said he would only pick the best individuals for each position in his Cabinet and his basis would only be credentials.
“Lahat ng pinakamagagaling na makuha ko na sumama sa gabinete, yan ang aking magiging komposisyon. Walang kinalaman ang partido, walang kinalaman ang utang na loob sa kampanya, walang kinalaman sa kamag-anak,” he said.
(The composition of my Cabinet would be the best of the best. It will not be based on alliances, gratitude in the campaign, or families.)
“We have to professionalize the government and make it less politicized,” he added.
Marcos said he does not see any qualms in giving Cabinet positions to the opposition as long as they are experts and the best in their respective industries and are willing to work with his administration.