By Genalyn D. Kabiling
He may not have any personal ambition to stay beyond his term but President Duterte is hopeful that his grandchild will follow his footsteps.
In his visit to Patikul, Sulu last Monday, the President admitted that he wants his grandchild to become mayor of Davao City someday.
“Huwag kayong matakot sa akin hanggang ano lang – matanda na ako eh, matanda na ako. At wala akong bisyo niyang pag-extend nang extend ng term. Hindi lang ninyo alam gaano kapagod,” Duterte said in his impromptu remarks at the handover of loose firearms and surrender of more than 70 Abu Sayyaf Group rebels to the government.
“Mag-interest na lang ako ‘yung apo ko maging mayor ng Davao, okay na ‘yan. At least may dumaang mayor na Muslim,” he added.
Duterte has served as mayor of Davao City. His daughter, Sara, is the incumbent mayor of Davao City while his son, Paolo, briefly served as vice mayor.
He noted that Davao has remained “neutral” in terms of religion under the leadership of his daughter. “Lalo na si Inday, ayaw ng bigotry ‘yan kasi Inday, they know, I know na part of us belongs to the Moro people.”
Ahead of his 73rd birth anniversary today, the President reaffirmed that he was not interested in power and admitted he now gets tired quickly.
“I’m getting old but – I tire easily but I can work… Pwede pa ito hanggang – and after that, mag-deteriorate na ako. I’m 73. Tapos matanda na at my age,” said Duterte who has been in public service for the past three decades.
Malacañang said Duterte is not interested in any term extension and has even offered to cut it short if a federal system is in place in 2020.
