- President Rodrigo Duterte is thinking of stepping down from the presidency.
- President Duterte rejects constitutional succession saying that VP Leni is not capable of improving the country’s situation.
- This is not the first time that President Duterte has considered resigning from his post.
President Rodrigo Duterte is mulling over the possibilities of resigning from his post as President of the country.
In a speech in Malacanang during the launch of Pilipinas Angat Lahat program, President Duterte said that he is ready to step down because he is too tired of chasing corrupt government officials which to him seems endless.
“At this time, I am telling you, I am ready to step down and retire,” he said.
“Sinabi ko sa mga sundalo at sa mga pulis: Guys, I want you to know that I am thinking of stepping down because I’m tired,” Duterte said. “I am not angry [with] anybody. My chase against graft and corruption seems to be endless, and it has contaminated almost all government departments and offices.” Duterte added.
“Graft is so embedded, it is endemic, and it is always part of the territory of a transaction especially by government. I do not think I can fulfill my promise to the people,” he further said.
On Monday, August 13 the President ordered the relief of some 20 military officials, including top officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), over alleged corruption activities at the V. Luna Medical Center in Quezon City.
And just last week, Duterte also ordered the firing of all board members of Nayong Pilipino Foundation (NPF) over a 70-year property lease contract which according to him is a clear “grossly disadvantageous” contract for the government.
However, President Duterte also shared his hesitation about his constitutional successor Vice President Leni Robredo.
“I am hesitant to suggest a constitutional succession. I have nothing against Robredo. She’s a lawyer, you have heard her talk, but I do not think she can improve on anything here,” the President said.
Meanwhile, this is not the first time that Duterte floated the idea of resigning from his post.
During the campaign season for the 2016 national elections, Duterte promised to resign if he wasn’t able to solve the country’s criminality problem in 3-6 months.
Last July 2018, during the turn over of the draft Federal constitution from the Consultative Commission, Duterte brought up the idea of stepping down from his post once the shift to Federalism is approved by 2019.
In July 2018 during the celebration of the 2018 National Science and Technology Week celebration at the SMX Convention Center at SM Lanang Premiere, Duterte also threatened to resign if somebody can show him a selfie with God.
In February of this year, the 73-year old President also said he will not finish his term and probably resign by 2020. He said he is already old and too tired and has no more ambition to cling to power.
“I am old. I have no more ambition. I really would like to rest.” said Duterte.
