Less than four months before his term ends, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Friday he would leave in peace since the Philippines is now in “good” condition.
During the inauguration of the Southern Philippines Medical Center’s Cancer Diagnostic Institute and Cancer Treatment Facility buildings in his hometown, Davao City, Duterte said he is ready to step down from office on June 30, saying his accomplishments have made him “fulfilled”.
“I am into the sunset of my life. I walk with a limp dahil sa numerous disgrasya sa motor. Eh hindi talaga ako nadala eh (because of numerous motor accidents. The accidents happened because I did not learn from my mistakes). I’m coming home, God willing. Nakita ko ang Pilipinas, okay naman (I saw the Philippines in good condition now),” Duterte said.
Duterte said it is “worth” retiring from politics since he is able to live up to his promise to give Filipinos a comfortable life.
He also emphasized that the presidency strengthened his resolve to maintain peace and order, fight illegal drugs, improve health care services, initiate education reforms, and develop infrastructure, among others.
“Fulfilled na ako sa lahat ng bagay. Wala na akong mahingi (I am already fulfilled in everything. I could not ask for more),” he said.
Admitting that being the country’s Chief Executive is a demanding job, Duterte said he did his part.
“Matanda naman na ako, 77 years old, ewan ko kung anong magdating sa akin pero ako, sa totoo lang, gusto ko ‘pag wala na akong gagawin sa mundo, tapos naman trabaho ko (I’m already old, turning 77 years old. I don’t know what will happen next but honestly, I have already done my job),” he said. “It is all worth it.”
The President turns 77 on Monday, March 28.
The presidency has helped Duterte become a “better leader”, acting Presidential Spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in an interview with the Daily Tribune’s “Straight Talk” on Tuesday.
Duterte surprised the public when he became a substitute candidate for the Senate post under the Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan Part in November 2021.
He withdrew his Senate bid the following month to fulfill his earlier plan to retire from government and spend more time with his family. (PNA)