Duterte may return as mayor after term ends in 2022

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — President Duterte, who at 73 admits to having various ailments two years into office, is not yet thinking of retirement.

At the inauguration of the Davao River bridge widening project along Diversion Road here the other day, Duterte said he might just return as mayor of this city after finishing his term as president in 2022.

“Sige lang, baka sakali mawalan ako ng trabaho, magbalik ako mayor dito,” the President said.

Duterte was reacting to people praising him for his accomplishments as mayor for 23 years before he became president.

Duterte also served as vice mayor and first district representative of the city. 

The President is particularly proud of the smoking ban he implemented in Davao and eventually adopted in the whole country.

Personal advocacy

Duterte explained the smoking ban was a result of his having suffered various ailment such as Barrett’s esophagus and now hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating due to smoking during his younger days. 

The President recalled how he once forced 11 men to eat cigarettes for refusing to follow the smoking ban.

Duterte apologized for being late and told the audience that his shirt and pants were soaked: “That’s excessive sweating. Something to do with a procedure that I underwent many years ago.”

The President likewise cited the prevailing liquor ban in the city that shortened the operating hours of bars and restaurants. 

He said that his daughter, current Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio also instilled the same discipline and is much stricter than him.

“(I am) near, very near the end of the road. So I’d like to thank you again for supporting me, for helping me. Most of you are really my supporters,” the President added. 

He also encouraged those who want to take positions in national government to apply as long as they are qualified and he would be happy to appoint them if there is vacancy. 

But he warned them against corruption, saying he will be “unforgiving” when it comes to this.

He said he wants to do something right before he dies – to gladden his parents.

 “At least once bago ako mamatay, may ginawa akong – para naman ‘yung tatay pati nanay ko mag-smile,” the President said.

Aside from Barrett’s esophagus, which causes stomach contents to back up into the esophagus, and Buerger disease, a constriction of the blood vessels caused by accumulation of nicotine, Duterte also has a slipped disc due to a motorcycle accident 10 years ago.