PRRD: Marcos needs cooperation of everybody

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte urged Filipinos on Monday night to accept the results of the May 9 elections, stating that incoming leaders including President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. would need their cooperation to ensure the country’s success.

“President-elect Marcos would need the cooperation and help of everybody. We must give it to him,” Duterte said in his fourth-to-the last Talk to the People.

The public, he said, should respect the decision of the majority, adding that it is the essence of democracy.

“Pag nagsalita na yung taongbayan kung sino yung mga leader na gusto nila, sunod tayo. Iwasan ninyo ang politika (Once the people have decided on who they want as leader, we have to follow. Avoid politicking),” he added.

According to Duterte, Filipinos must be “united” in addressing issues such as the prevailing Covid-19 health crisis and expediting post-pandemic recovery.

“We have no room for politicking or actions that are divisive to the country. Nagsalita na ang tao, may mga lider tayo, and me, wala na ako (The people have spoken, we have a leader, and me, I’m about to leave). I will say nothing,” he said.

He stated that it is wrong to “just plain criticize” the incoming administration that has barely started implementing any policies and programs.

“Ang ayaw ko, baka may maiwan pa, yung namumulitika pa rin (What I dislike is that there may be some left who continue politicking). Or you know, just plain criticize itong bagong administrasyon (this new administration). You do not do that,” he added.

Smooth, peaceful transition

The transition of power to his successor will be “smooth” and “peaceful”, Duterte assured the public.

“As we approach June 30, this administration is both ready and eager to hand over the reins of government to our incoming leaders. I assure everyone that this process will be smooth and peaceful as we want the next administration to succeed for the benefit of country,” he said.

The nation and people could overcome the country’s challenges only though unity and compassion, he noted

“My fellow Filipinos, the next administration needs all our support and solidarity. Let us therefore give them our goodwill and best wishes as they endeavor to lead our country towards a better future,” he added.

He also thanked Filipinos once again for supporting his six-year term as the country’s president.

“To the people of my country, it was a fruitful and productive journey with the help of people from all sectors who I thought early on who can help be build a better future for our children. Maraming maraming salamat sa inyong pagbigay ng tiwala sa akin (Thank you very much for the trust you have given me),” he said.

Duterte stated that his only objective is to leave this generation and future generations with a better country as a result of his policies and programs, particularly his administration’s crackdown on criminality and illegal narcotics.

“Kung may ano man ako, advocacy ko (If I would have any advocacy), it’s really to protect the next generation,” he said.

He stated that he was looking forward to retiring from politics, but stressed that he will continue to talk if there is a “compelling need” for it.

“If there is a compelling need for me to talk, I will do it. But my drift is just really to retire quietly. No more politics for me,” he added.