Outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte enjoined Filipinos to “come to terms” with the results of the May 9 polls, noting that incoming leaders including President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. would need their cooperation to ensure the country’s success.
“President-elect Marcos would need the cooperation and help of everybody. We must give it to him,” Duterte said in his fourth-to-the last Talk to the People on Monday night, Jan. 6.
He said the public must respect the decision of the majority, adding that it is the essence of democracy.
“Pag nagsalita na yung taongbayan kung sino yung mga leader na gusto nila, sunod tayo. Iwasan ninyo ang politika (Once the people have decided on who they want as leader, we have to follow. Avoid politicking),” he added.
Duterte said Filipinos must be “united” in confronting issues such as the prevailing COVID-19 health crisis and speeding up post-pandemic recovery.
“We have no room for politicking or actions that are divisive to the country. Nagsalita na ang tao, may mga lider tayo, and me, wala na ako (The people have spoken, we have a leader, and me, I’m about to leave). I will say nothing,” he said.
He said it is wrong to “just plain criticize” the incoming administration that has barely started implementing any policies and programs.
“Ang ayaw ko, baka may maiwan pa, yung namumulitika pa rin (What I dislike is that there may be some left who continue politicking). Or you know, just plain criticize itong bagong administrasyon (this new administration). You do not do that,” he added.
Marcos was proclaimed the 17th President of the Republic of the Philippines at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City on May 25.
Marcos’ running mate for the 2022 national elections, Davao City mayor and daughter of outgoing President Duterte, Sara Duterte was also proclaimed the country’s 15th vice president.
The Marcos-Sara, dubbed as UniTeam, saw the gathering of the country’s biggest and oldest political clans, through the parties they founded.
Duterte will step down from office by noon of June 30. He will be succeeded by Marcos, son of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos.PNA
