Rody tells political leaders to prepare when he steps down

DAVAO CITY – Beaming with confidence in the election chances of his candidates, President Duterte is exhorting his local leaders “to be on their toes” as things might be different after he steps down in 2022.

“But what’s your problem? The same people won. It’s still Hugpong, so better luck next time. What we have to prepare for is when I step down from the presidency,” the President told local candidates of the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod at a rally Friday night here at the Almendras Gym.

“But the critical thing is after I end my presidency. That would be the time that you have to be at least a little bit... You would have to be on your toes there,” he said.

His daughter Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is running for reelection unopposed in tomorrow’s polls.

Duterte told his candidates that in the next elections, they have to carefully choose their leaders, as he will likely no longer be in the position to exert some influence.

In his remarks, Duterte also told local leaders to expect some adjustments in the budget, citing a slowdown in economic growth due to underspending. A deadlock among lawmakers late last year over the 2019 budget had stalled some vital projects, including infrastructure.

Also at the rally, Duterte revealed he might limit his public appearance after his term, for security reasons.

“Aalis na rin ako. Three years wala na ako. Hindi na ako puwedeng tumakbo uli. Hindi na rin ako puwede lumabas ng basta basta kasi baka ako naman ang ma-DDS (I’m leaving. In three years, I’m out, and I can’t run anymore. And I can’t just go out – I might get DDS),” he said in jest, referring to the Davao Death Squad, a group his critics said he had organized when he was mayor to carry out killings of criminals and political foes. His remarks drew laughter from the crowd.

Duterte maintained there would be no letup in his war on drugs until his last day in office.