Palace forms committee for smooth transition of power

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte’s office has formed a committee that will ensure a smooth transfer of power to his successor, Malacañang announced yesterday.

Acting presidential spokesman Martin Andanar said the transition committee would be led by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea. The names of the other members were not immediately available.

“The Office of the President created a transition committee chaired by Executive Secretary Bingbong Medialdea to prepare and implement the Office of the President’s transition plan,” Andanar said.

Last February, Duterte revealed that he has started packing his things and that he is ready to talk to the next president.

He has assured the public that the upcoming elections will be peaceful and has ordered agencies to ensure that the casting of votes be free from violence and intimidation.

“We will have an orderly, clean and honest election. I urge the government to be conscious of this because everybody would be working towards this end. I would emphasize that the military and the police focus on this event because we said we want an honest election,” the President said during a public address aired last Tuesday.

Last March, Andanar said Duterte would do everything so that the transition to his successor will be smooth and the next administration will not have a hard time facing the challenges confronting the country.

During the Philippine Economic Briefing last month, Medialdea said Duterte would be leaving behind “stronger foundations” for inclusive growth.

“The Duterte administration will continue to work towards smooth transition and leave public office with stronger foundations in place for inclusive sustainable economic growth,” he said.