If President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. can have his way, he wants his successor to understand economics, or at the very least listen to people who have “some training on it.”
He said the country’s next leader should be someone “who understands how to create jobs, who understands how to keep the inflation rate down, (and) who understands how to make food supply a given.”
Mr. Marcos, during the ASEAN Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum fireside chat Tuesday, underscored the importance of having a “like-minded” successor.
“If we do not elect a like-minded president in 2028, all of (our economic gains) will just go by the wayside,” he said.
The President, however, said there will be no early announcement of his candidate as he remains focused on pressing national concerns.
“The timing is everything,” he said.
Among the individuals being floated as possible presidential candidates, former Vice President and now Naga Mayor Leni Robredo has a degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines. She got her law degree from the University of Nueva Caceres.
Vice President Sara Duterte, who has formally announced her plan to seek the presidency in 2028, is a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy graduate from the San Pedro College in Davao City. She got her Juris Doctor degree from the San Sebastian College – Recoletos in the City of Manila.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Senator Risa Hontiveros, who said they are not closing doors on the possibility of running for president, have degrees in philosophy and social science, respectively.
At the Palace, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Mr. Marcos has yet to discuss the individuals he may be considering for the 2028 presidential race.
Castro, however, echoed the President’s remarks, saying any future leader must prioritize national development over politics.
“So, those who are currently leading or prioritizing politics, think again – you might not be qualified (for the job),” she said.
