Duterte: 'I don’t want dynasties, but we are forced'

MANILA, Philippines — Three of his children are seeking local posts in next year’s polls, but President Duterte yesterday maintained that he is against political dynasties.

Duterte said he and his children were “forced” to seek electoral posts in Davao City because of the clamor of their constituents.

“I do not want dynasty but we are forced. Ask around. Go to Davao. You conduct a survey about those who are interested in dynasties,” the President said at a business conference in Manila.

“Go to Davao and ask the people. Still political families. Barangay captains would tell you they won’t campaign for people they do not like,” he added.

Duterte’s eldest son Paolo is running to represent Davao City’s first district in Congress while Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is seeking re-election. Duterte’s youngest son Sebastian is running for vice mayor of the city.

The Chief Executive claimed that voters are the ones clamoring for members of political families to run.

“Usually, ’pag naumpisahan ng isa, tuluy-tuloy na ’yan kasi hingin ng tao na ’yan (If one member of the family occupies a post, others will continue because people are asking for it),” he said.

Duterte said his son Paolo resigned as Davao City vice mayor in disgust after his rift with his daughter became public.

“He was somehow embarrassed. ‘I will just resign, Pa.’ He was also summoned by (Sen. Antonio) Trillanes (IV),” the President said, referring to the Senate probe on the entry of P6.4-billion shabu shipment from China.

The former vice mayor has denied involvement in the drug shipment.

The President lamented that some people are using congressional probes to embarrass people.

“You shame people, you humiliate them, you shout at them; after that, it’s gone. It’s all show,” Duterte said.

“If the allegations were true, they should have filed cases,” he added.

Meanwhile, the President said he had asked his daughter to run for mayor because he does not want Davao City to “go back in shambles.”

“So, I insisted on my daughter because she can do the job,” he said.