Outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte urged Filipinos to accept the May 9 election results as newly elected officials, including President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., will require the cooperation of everybody to secure the country’s success.

“President-elect Marcos would need the cooperation and help of everybody. We must give it to him,” Duterte stated in his Talk to the People on Monday.

Duterte also said that the decision of the majority is the essence of democracy, hence such decisions must be respected.

“That’s democracy. That’s how we operate. And ‘pag nagsalita na ‘yung taongbayan kung sino ‘yung mga lider na gusto nila, sunod tayo. Iwasan ninyo ang politika. [And once the people have decided on the leaders they want, we must follow. Avoid politicking],” he added.

Duterte said he doesn’t want to leave behind people still politicking and plainly criticizing the incoming administration.

On a smooth transfer of power

Duterte also guaranteed a ‘smooth’ and ‘peaceful’ transition of power to the incoming administration.

“As we approach June 30, this administration is both ready and eager to hand over the reins of government to our incoming leaders. I assure everyone that this process will be smooth and peaceful as we want the next administration to succeed for the benefit of [the] country,” he stated.

Duterte urged the Filipinos to ‘rally behind’ their incoming leaders so that the next administration could build from what the government has accomplished.

“I urge my fellow Filipinos to rally behind and support our new leaders so that they can build on the gains we have achieved these past six years,” he added.

“We must all be united in confronting the issues ahead of us. We have no room for politicking or actions that are divisive to the country,” Duterte added. 

Duterte emphasized that the country’s challenges, both natural and manmade, may be overcome through unity and compassion. 

“My fellow Filipinos, the next administration needs all our support and solidarity. Let us, therefore, give them our goodwill and best wishes as they endeavor to lead our country towards a better future,” he stated.

Duterte also thanked everyone who trusted and supported him throughout his term as president.

Duterte mentioned that his advocacy against drugs and criminality is meant to protect the next generation.

“All that I aspire, all that I want is a better country for this generation and especially for the next generation,” he said.

While Duterte also talked about his retirement from politics after his term as president, he noted that he will continue to talk if there is a “compelling need” to do so.

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