President Duterte is not aiming to perpetuate himself in power by eyeing his daughter to be his successor, a Palace official said Monday.
Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella (PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella (PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella explained that the President is just being “pragmatic” in preferring someone he trusts to sustain the administration’s gains once his term ends.
“You’re making a breathtaking leap by assuming that he wants power when he says that his daughter is somebody that he trusts,” Abella said in a Palace news conference.
“It’s not a question of wanting to perpetuate power but ensuring that whatever gains he has — whatever gains that we have made, the administration may have made will be preserved by someone that he actually trusts,” he added.
The President recently reiterated his preference for his daughter to become the country’s next leader, saying he could find any other better candidate than her.
Duterte first endorsed her daughter as potential presidential contender in the 2022 elections back in April. He claimed that he and Sara share the same tough stance against illegal drugs and corruption.
Abella explained that the President’s preference for his daughter was mainly due to trust and confidence in the mayor’s capability.
“Nakita niya ‘yung capacity, capability, puso, intention nung — ni Sara Duterte (He sees the capacity, heart and intention of Sara Duterte),” he said.
He said Sara should be seen as “an independent personality” and not just the President’s daughter.
“She is an effective person and mayor and politician who happens to be his daughter so it’s not a question of wanting to perpetuate power. So you know, I think there’s a huge difference between the two,” he said.