Duterte to supporters, allies: Thank you for believing in me, my aspirations

FILE PHOTO: President Rodrigo Duterte. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte took the time on Wednesday to thank his supporters for believing in him and his aspirations for the country, and those who helped him win the presidency.

He conveyed his “thank you” message towards the end of his speech at the Puregold Sari-Sari Store convention in Pasay City.

“For those who believed in me – I’m on my tail end sa presidency ko – ‘yung mga tumulong sa ‘kin, sumuporta all these years, ‘yung mga umintindi ng mga hangarin ko sa ating bayan and brought me sa pagka-presidente ko for six years, I would like to express my gratitude sa inyo at maraming salamat po,” he said.

(For those who believed in me, helped me, supported me all these years, those who understood my aspirations for the country and brought me to the presidency, I would like to express my gratitude to you. Thank you very much.)

Duterte will step down from being the country’s top leader on June 30. He will be succeeded by presumptive president Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Small, medium enterprises

During his speech, Duterte recognized the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as one of the “backbones of the economy,” helping the government produce jobs for the country’s growing labor force and reduce hunger and poverty.

The President also recognized how SMEs were “vulnerable” to external shocks such as financial crises and disasters, as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He then thanked Puregold for assisting local businesses like sari-sari stores.

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