Marcos Jr. still hopeful of Duterte’s endorsement

FILE PHOTO: Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos. Screengrab from Pandesal Forum

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said he is still counting on the endorsement of President Rodrigo Duterte despite the support he has obtained from the PDP-Laban faction led by the Chief Executive.

“Alam mo naman si President, he keeps us on our toes. I hope so, I hope so,” he said in a chance interview when asked if he expects Duterte’s support for his candidacy.

The PDP-Laban wing formed by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi and backed by Duterte has earlier announced their endorsement of Marcos Jr. and the president’s daughter, Sara Duterte-Carpio, who is running for vice president in tandem with the late strongman’s son.

But Duterte has yet to reveal his personal choice for the next president.

READ: Cusi-led PDP-Laban wing endorses Bongbong Marcos for president

According to him, an ideal president should be a decisive, compassionate lawyer. Marcos Jr. is not a lawyer and Duterte has previously said that Marcos Jr. is a “weak leader.”

READ: Duterte takes jab at Bongbong Marcos anew, calls him ‘weak leader’

According to Duterte’s long-time assistant Senator Bong Go, the President met with Marcos Jr. a few days before the PDP-Laban faction openly endorsed his candidacy.

Go said the two had a “productive” meeting, where Duterte shared his experiences and even gave advice on being president.

KGA