MANILA, Philippines — Outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte has declined the offer to serve as the drug czar of his successor President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Malacañang said.
“The last offer that I saw was to head, to become the drug czar. Pero tinanggihan niya na iyon eh (he declined it already),” acting presidential spokesman Martin Andanar said Wednesday when asked if the incoming administration had standing offers to Duterte.
“Iyon ang lumabas sa pahayagan,” he added.
(That’s what appeared in the news.)
Marcos Jr. earlier said he was open to including Duterte in his Cabinet as a drug czar.
Duterte is the father of his running mate Vice President-elect Sara Duterte.
“We have not talked about it but I’m open to anyone who’s able to help in the government. Matagal na kaming magkabigan ni PRRD, noong mayor pa siya (We have been friends for a long time, back when he was still mayor). I’m sure if he wants to play a part, sasabihin naman niya sa akin (he will let me know). I am certainly open to all of that,” Marcos Jr. had said.
READ: Bongbong Marcos: President Duterte can join Cabinet if he wants to
Bongbong Marcos also said Duterte told him to continue his controversial war against illegal drugs, which has killed thousands of drug peddlers and users, and is the subject of a probe by the International Criminal Court.