MANILA – There might be a brief mention of President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s 2022 political plans in his sixth and final State of the Nation Address, Malacañang said on Monday.
Duterte’s political plans for next year might be brought up in passing, if he touches on his “unfinished business” during his six-year term as the country’s chief executive, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in an interview with Teleradyo.
“Hindi ko po inaasahan na he will mention this in a major manner. Siguro po padaplis dahil diyan po papasok iyong assessment niya kung mayroon pa talaga siyang unfinished business o wala (Perhaps, it will be raised in passing if he talks about his assessment on whether he really has unfinished business or none),” Roque said.
The highlight of Duterte’s last SONA will be his administration’s achievements and plans for his final year in office.
Duterte is also expected to discuss campaign against illegal drugs and corruption in government.
Roque earlier floated the possibility that Duterte’s “unfinished business” in addressing the drug problem and corrupt practices of government workers might sway him to seek the second top post in the country.
Duterte, in his previous speeches, expressed openness to the idea of him running for vice president.
On July 7, Duterte said he is “seriously” considering accepting calls for him to join the vice presidential race.
Roque on July 22 said there is no need for Duterte to step down as President, if he decides to seek the vice presidency.
Asking for ‘impossible’
Meantime, Roque also responded to question about political science professor Antonio Contreras’ advice for Duterte not to make any endorsement of candidates for the 2022 elections and just be a “father to politicians.”
Roque said Contreras is “asking for impossible.”
“Never pong nangyari iyan sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas (That never happened in the Philippine history),” he said. “So, I think Professor Contreras is asking for the impossible, kung ang hinihingi niya ay huwag mag-endorso (if he is asking the President not to endorse anyone).”
Roque likewise reacted to Contreras’ call on Duterte not to run for vice president as it will only “further divide the nation.”
He said Duterte has final say on his possible vice presidential run.
“Iyan naman po ay nasa karapatan ng kahit sino, kasama po ang Presidente (That’s the right of any person [to run for vice president], including the President),” he said. (PNA)
