President Rodrigo Duterte and presidential candidate former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (file photo)
MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has not endorsed a 2022 presidential candidate, so far, despite meeting over the weekend with former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“A meeting did occur between Duterte and [former] Senator Marcos, whether or not this can be interpreted as an endorsement, of course, the President has not endorsed any candidate,” acting Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Kris Ablan said during Friday’s Palace briefing.
“A meeting was just arranged and they met. But there is no endorsement insofar as Malacañang is concerned,” he added.
Duterte and Marcos met on Sunday, Mar. 20., according to the president’s long-time aide, Senator Bong Go, who was present during the meeting.
Duterte and Marcos’ meeting was “productive,” with the Chief Executive sharing his experiences and giving advice on the presidency, said Go.
The meeting between Duterte and Marcos came a few days before a wing of the ruling party PDP-Laban endorsed the former senator’s presidential bid.
Go said the meeting with Duterte was one of the factors that led to the PDP-Laban wing endorsement, aside from the various talks and consultations among its members.