Duterte skeptical about public liking anti-political dynasty proposal

President Rodrigo Duterte (File photo from INQUIRER.net)

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said he was in favor of the anti-political dynasty provision in the proposed new constitution. But he said public might reject the proposal.

“A few of the principled men, I would say, want this kind of thing about dynasty [to be] abolished. I am for it,” he said. “Ang problema: Lulusot ba ‘yan?” he said during the General Assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines at the Manila Hotel on Tuesday.

He said some voters would want continuity of the programs a family member had started.

“Because sa atin, pagkatapos mo eh they would ask for your son or your wife,” he said.

He cited his own experience: After serving for more than 22 years as Davao City mayor, he was replaced by her daughter, Sara Duterte-Carpio.

“I don’t know, but Inday [Sara] really is a… she’s a character and she can be mean. The Davaoeños want to continue ‘yung ano, ‘yung nagawa mo. Ano ba talagang nagawa ko?” he said. “Why is it so peaceful, so clean? Drug [use] is minimal and the law and order is very good. It took me about three terms really to perfect the system.”

Duterte has been accused of being behind the controversial Davao Death Squad that killed criminals in the city.

“Kung sabihin nila namatay, marami talagang namatay because I was one of those and many siguro I think who really wanted to get rid of the drugs,” he said.

The Consultative Committee (Con-Com) tasked by Duterte to review the 1987 Constitution had earlier decided to recommend regulating political dynasties instead of banning them.

READ: No ban: Con-Com seeks regulation of political dynasties