All presidential aspirants are ‘qualified,’ says Duterte

President Rodrigo Duterte (File photo from Malacañang)

MANILA, Philippines —  All the presidential aspsirants “qualified,” according to President Rodrigo Duterte, although he said he was “at this moment” not supporting anyone.

Duterte made the remark in his taped weekly “Talk to the People” briefing on the eve of the first day of the campaign period for national posts.

“All of them, I would say at this time, are all qualified. Those running now are qualified to be president. I hope so. I think they’re OK, except for a few misgivings about the danger of falling into a trap with the communists,” Duterte said, speaking in a mix of English and Filipino.

According to Duterte, almost all of the aspiring presidents have communicated with him, “in one way or the other,” seeking his endorsement in the upcoming May 9 polls.

However, he said he was not supporting any candidate yet.

“I may [support one] in the end if my advice and endorsement would help — if needed. But at this time, I am saying I am not supporting anybody — unless there is a compelling reason really for me to change my mind and decide to support a candidate,” he said.

Duterte earlier backed the presidential bid of Sen. Bong Go. But the senator withdrew his candidacy, saying he would not want Duterte trapped in the middle ahead of the 2022 national elections.

Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, is running for vice president under another party, with former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as her running mate.

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