MANILA -- Malacañang on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, said that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte remains an influential political figure whose endorsement is sought by the current presidential aspirants.

“(E)ven Vice President Leni Robredo is open to the endorsement of the President. Senator Bongbong Marcos is also asking for the endorsement of the President. Kanina si Ka-Leody nakausap ko at siya naman ay bukas naman pag siya ay ini-endorse ni Presidente Duterte,” Presidential Communications Secretary and Acting Presidential Spokesperson Martin Andanar said in a news briefing.

Seeking the President’s endorsement, according to the Cabinet official, is a clear acknowledgment that the Chief Executive has done a very good job.

Secretary Andanar added that President Duterte defied the traditional path of Filipino leaders who become lame ducks before they bow out of office.

“What is important to us is that our President remains very relevant. Our President is not following the footsteps or the path of the tradition that the President becomes lame duck or when the President’s endorsement becomes a kiss of death,” Andanar underscored.

The President earlier said that he would remain neutral in the May 2022 elections unless there is a compelling reason to change his decision. (OPS)