Davao City does not need another Duterte as mayor, former president Rodrigo Duterte said.
Duterte also expressed his desire to step away from public service after over three decades in elected office. Duterte first became Davao City mayor in 1988.
“I no longer want to. Whoever, leave it to God. The next mayor need not be a Duterte,” the former president said, in an interview with SMNI last Nov. 7.
The former president further said that he is willing to pass the leadership of Davao City to the next generation, adding that he wants to give a chance to others.
“Ako, tapos na ako, ibigay ko na lang chance sa iba,” said the former president. “Hindi na ako babalik… wala na akong… ibigay ko na sa next generation.”
Duterte also said that he is leaving the political fortunes of his children to fate.
He explained that “ang buhay ay palad-palad. Kung nasa palad nila Inday, Pulong, if they stay there forever or just for one election and reelection, nasa palad na ‘yan.”
The Dutertes are gunning for multiple offices in the city in the 2025 elections.
The ex-president was earlier reported to be running for mayor against former Civil Service Commission chair and first district representative Karlo Nograles, independent candidates Bishop Rod Cubos, social media personality Roweno Caballes, Joselito Tan, and Jonathan Julaine.
Meanwhile, incumbent Mayor Sebastian Duterte is running for vice mayor while his older brother Rep. Paolo Duterte is up for reelection in the First District.
In the Second District, Rep. Duterte’s son Omar is running for congressman. Another son, Rigo, is gunning for a seat on the city council representing the First District.
