Duterte not resigning for now

MANILA, Philippines — Despite his frustrations over endemic corruption in government, President Duterte will not step down from office for now, a Malacañang official said yesterday.

Duterte might resign if former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. wins his electoral protest against Vice President Leni Robredo, according to presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr.

“The President has said that (former) senator Bongbong Marcos is one of the qualified leaders to succeed him. If he wins the poll protest and he becomes vice president, perhaps the President will make good on his promise to resign,” Roque said.

Marcos’ poll protest against Robredo remains pending before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal.

Duterte earlier said he is not amenable to following the Constitution when it comes to succession.

“The President is worried that his successor may not be qualified,” Roque said, referring to Robredo.

In a statement, Marcos said he is grateful to the President for trusting him.

“I thank the President for his faith in my abilities. But I urge him not to resign as the Filipino people still need him for  the betterment of the country,” Marcos said.

More heads to roll

Since the President is not yet resigning, Roque said the public should expect more heads to roll in the government if corruption would continue to persist.

“I guess more corrupt government officials will be sacked. So wait for further announcements,” Roque said

He asked the Malacañang Press Corps to announce the names of those who will be fired for corruption.

“We will be the anti-graft dissemination corps,” Roque said.

As for the recommendation for Duterte to take a break from work, Roque said, “He should probably file officially a leave and designate the Executive Secretary in an acting capacity.”

Duterte’s readiness to step down from office is an indication that he would not hang on to power, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said.

Cayetano said the President remains a strong leader and enjoys the people’s support.

“So let’s continue to pray for him and support him, let’s do our part. Let’s not wait that he gets to a point that he will step down,” he said.

Erap: Philippines needs Duterte

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada asked President Duterte not to resign, saying the country needs him at this “crucial time.”

Estrada said he advised the President not to resign when they met at an event on Wednesday night.

Estrada said the administration’s war on drugs should continue without letup. –  With Pia Lee-Brago, Jose Rodel Clapano