Duterte says not endorsing any presidential bet to avoid controversy

President Rodrigo Duterte (File photo from Malacañang)

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has explained his decision to not endorse any presidential candidate in the May 9 elections.

During his weekly Talk to the People aired Tuesday night, Duterte said he avoids being partisan so people would not think that he is using the government’s resources to advance the interest of a particular politician.

He, however, admitted that he would support and vote for his daughter, Sara Duterte-Carpio, who is running for vice president in this year’s polls.

“Talking about the elections, ako, wala akong kandidato, hindi ako namumulitika ah, I’m just announcing, wala akong kandidato ni sino man sa pagka-presidente. I remain neutral,” the President said.

READ: Duterte says he is not supporting any candidate except daughter Sara

“Ang akin kasi, presidente ako tapos magkampi ako ng isa? Magdududa ‘yong iba na ginagamit ko ‘yong mga resources ng gobyerno, magulo na,” he added.

According to Duterte, people become suspicious about incumbent officials — especially presidents who have command of the budget — supporting candidates.

“If you are a president and you have the resources na nasa beck and call mo, ano man ang gawain mo may suspetsa kaya ang tao, na ginagamit mo (‘yong pondo) para sa isang tao.  Even if it is not true, kung budgeted na ‘yong project na ‘yan, tuloy-tuloy naman, hindi na nga ako maka-ano ng pera, bawal na,” he noted.

Duterte’s endorsement has been heavily anticipated with at least two candidates – Bongbong Marcos and Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso — hoping to secure his blessing.

Earlier, Duterte said he prefers a lawyer and a compassionate person as his successor, prompting people to speculate if he was referring to Vice President Leni Robredo. But she is from the other side of the political fence and had been at odds with Duterte a number of times in the past over certain policies.

Aside from openly endorsing the vice-presidential run of his daughter, Duterte said he is endorsing the candidacy of 17 politicians running for senator although only 12 slots in the Senate are declared vacant for the May elections.

READ: Duterte endorses 17 senatorial bets

“Kaya nga wala kaming kandidato except of course my daughter, so I have to mention her because she is my daughter.  Ano man ang dynamics namin sa mga party nila, anak ko ‘yan eh. So ‘yon lang ang isa, pati ‘yong mga senador, na gusto ko sanang mailagay dyan but I’m not mentioning any names,” Duterte said during his Talk to the People.

“Just trying to avoid politicking kasi baka masabit tayo sa Comelec.  Ang isang ano ko is, the government — at least the Armed Forces pati ang pulis, pati kami sa gobyerno, we are not allowed to campaign.  Well of course ‘yong mga cabinet members they can, but just to make things equal, sinabi ko no’ng past two elections lalo na ngayon paalis na tayo, ‘wag na tayo magkampi-kampi ng kandidato, we’ll just make the most of the remaining days,” he added.

KGA