MANILA — Although he had no idea who might succeed him as the next chief executive, President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Wednesday said if Vice President Leni Robredo joins the presidential race, she would make a “beautiful and young” president.
“Ako (Me), after three years aalis na ako (I will leave), I don’t know who’ll be the next President,” Duterte said in his speech during the graduation of Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) “Maragtas” Class of 2018 in Silang, Cavite.
Robredo, who was also among the officials present during the graduation, sat listening.
“But if the Vice President wins, then you’ll have a beautiful and a young President in this country,” Duterte said.
Robredo earlier said she has no plans to seek reelection or even run for President.
In a television interview, she said that being vice president is already a privilege.
‘Friends’
During the graduation rites, Duterte called Robredo “my lady”.
Duterte mentioned that he would love other opportunities to see Robredo in events where they’re both invited to attend.
On Tuesday, during the 121st founding anniversary celebration of the Philippine Army, Duterte also joked to Robredo that she was one of the topics brought up in his recent Cabinet meeting.
“Natapos ho kami Ma’am ng three, ang pinag-usapan namin ikaw (We ended at around 3 p.m. ma’am, we talked about you),” Duterte told Robredo.
Robredo was once part of the Duterte Cabinet, having served as housing chief but quit her post in December 2016 over political and ideological differences with the President.
Duterte, however, maintained that despite their differences, they remained friends. (PNA)