Former President Rodrigo Duterte has advised his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, to abandon any aspirations for the presidency in the 2028 elections.
During a press conference in Tacloban City on Sunday, Duterte said, “They worry about Inday (Sara)? Inday, don’t seek the presidency. If you are hearing this, avoid it. Give it to ambitious ones, instead.”
Duterte expressed doubts about Sara’s potential presidency bringing significant improvements to the country. He also dismissed her earlier statements that he and his sons, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte and First District Representative Paolo Duterte, would run for the Senate in 2025.
“Do you believe her? My God. She’ll take you for a ride if you are not asking the correct questions,” Duterte remarked, noting his age, reduced popularity, and lack of funds as reasons for not returning to politics.
The former president also clarified the intentions of the Hakbang ng Maisug group, which has been holding prayer rallies against the people’s initiative for Charter change. He emphasized that the group is not seeking to oust President Marcos.
“Marcos should not lose any sleep. I want him to work for six years. He was voted by the people to work for six years. You do your work there. Do not worry, nobody is interested in removing you. It is a waste of time,” Duterte stated.
Addressing former Senator Leila de Lima’s recent criticisms, Duterte advised her to “find your peace where you are now.” He also warned the International Criminal Court (ICC) against serving a warrant of arrest on him, insisting that the Philippines is no longer part of the ICC and thus outside its jurisdiction.
“I don’t give a s**t whether they come in. For me, they have no jurisdiction. The Philippines already left ICC. We are not part of the ICC. If they would insist that there is a case there that would warrant my arrest, I will wait for them,” he asserted.
Duterte made it clear he expects an ICC representative to personally deliver any such warrant, threatening, “I will let you eat that paper or I will deliver you to hell.”
