‘Brightest stars in politics will be nothing in 2 years’

MANILA, Philippines — While he considers himself and two of his politician friends the “brightest stars” in politics, President Duterte says he has no illusion about staying brilliant after the end of his term.

Speaking at the inauguration of a facility for the elderly in Taguig last Thursday, Duterte quoted his favorite Biblical verse stating that there is a time for everything, even a time for disappointment, and a time for pondering one’s life.

“Just like me, senator, congressman, Senator Bong (Go), Speaker (Alan Cayetano), we are the brightest stars today. Look at the political sky and you can see us shining,” Duterte said.

“But I know that in about two years’ time, that light would dim and I would be nothing. That’s life. There is a time for everything in this world,” he added.

Duterte, a longtime city mayor who defeated his more moneyed rivals during the 2016 presidential race, said he was lucky to have reached the age of 74 and to become the highest elected official of the land.  

“And I don’t know why but you know, presidency is a gift from God. The more you covet it, the more God will deprive you of it. Just wait for whatever it is that will be given to you. What are your expectations? None. I leave it to God. He’s everything,” the President said.

“Most importantly, he has set the rules of life for us in this world,” he added.

Duterte then joked that he already grew up, got married and won the presidency but Jesus Christ is still nailed on the cross. 

While the President was a bit sentimental during his speech, he still launched scathing attacks on his critics. He said he no longer needs emergency powers to fast-track infrastructure projects because he could only do so much during his remaining years in office.

“The senators said ‘It involves a huge amount of money. It will go to corruption,’ I heard. I said, ‘Forget it, Let EDSA rot.’ Son of a b**** go ahead if that’s how you look at me,” Duterte said.

“Now, two years have passed. If you read, if you heard, ‘We are ready to give the (special powers to the President). You are b*** s***. You know why? I only have two years. What can I do in two years? I will only leave behind unfinished projects,” he added.

Duterte said the gestation period for a project is about six months. He said he would be accused of abandoning the projects and pocketing funds if he steps down without completing them.

The President also defended the Cayetanos, his allies, from allegations that they are a political dynasty.

“You know Alan, congressman, just let them talk. They said your wife and your brother are in power. Just let them be... You’d lose the momentum and you will lose sight of your commitment. Most of the people entering the government are after the money,” he said.

Duterte went on to praise the Cayetanos for establishing a facility for the elderly and expressed hope that other local governments would do the same.

“For me, this program is an honest proof of your solidarity with the national government in promoting inclusivity, fairness and good governance. May you continue to support this administration’s development agenda and I wish that your pursuit to uplift the lives of our senior citizens will be emulated by other city and municipal governments in the country,” he said.