Rody: Seeking presidency was a mistake

MANILA, Philippines - Almost six months into office, President Duterte still views his decision to seek the highest elected post in the land as a mistake. 

“Kung ayaw na talaga ninyo (If you really don’t like the way I run things), I am ready to step down. I don’t have a problem with that. I have no illusions about power or about the presidency,” Duterte said during the awarding of this year’s The Outstanding Young Men and Women (TOYM) yesterday at Malacañang’s Rizal Hall.

“As a matter of fact, I whispered something to Sir Manny Pangilinan. He said, ‘How are you?’ But I said if I were to go back in time, I would have not committed the same mistake. That’s true,” Duterte said. 

Pangilinan, chairman of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., attended yesterday’s event as chairman of the TOYM Foundation. He was seated behind Duterte during the awarding ceremony. 

This year’s TOYM awardees are Carmela Andal Castro for law, Earl Martin Valencia for entrepreneurship, Jhett Tolentino for arts in theater, Saturnino Tiamson for arts in music, Geraldine Racaza for medicine, Ronivin Pagtakhan for youth leadership, Richard Muallil for marine science conservation, Richard Javad Heydarian for social science, Randy Halasan for education, Ryan Guinaran for indigenous people advocacy, and Clarissa Isabelle Delgado for community service.

“Please stay driven and inspired as you continue to better the lives of our people,” Pangilinan told the awardees.

Duterte previously complained that his P130,000 salary is too small to support his two families. He also lamented that as president he is alone and lonely and deprived of privacy. 

During the oath taking of officers of the People’s National Movement for Federalism (PENAMFED) officers also yesterday, Duterte described his job as “exhausting.” He said he usually leaves Malacañang at around 3 a.m. and reviews voluminous documents from agencies. 

“If I go back in time, no (I won’t run for president). Mabigat ang trabaho (the work is demanding),” Duterte said. “Pagod tapos maliit ang sweldo (It’s exhausting and the salary is small).”

Duterte reiterated that he has no illusions to cling to power and he is ready to step down once a federal government is established in the country.

During the awarding of the 2016 The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) also yesterday, Duterte admitted that he is not sure if he can even survive the next six years. He stressed though that he is ready to perform his job and to fulfill his promises to the Filipinos. 

“I am not the most honest person. I don’t know if I will survive the next six years,” Duterte said.   

“Let’s not be dramatic about the most honest. I just want to give my respect to the Philippines,” he added.