Duterte ready to leave presidential residence

MANILA, Philippines — More than four months before his term ends, President Duterte revealed that he is preparing to leave Malacañang and that he has started packing his things.

During a pre-recorded public address on Monday, Duterte said he intends to leave Malacañang next month and would only go there for his remaining tasks.

“I am packing my things... So I should be out...by March. I won’t be here anymore by April. I won’t sleep here anymore. Wherever God will bring me, I will practice sleeping there,” he said.

“I will just go here for day-to-day work and what’s left of the things that we have to work on. I will make a speech one of these days thanking the people for the distinct honor of giving me the position as President,” he added.

Duterte, who previously entertained the idea of seeking another electoral post after his term, said he is waiting for the inauguration of the next president.

“I will experience the feeling of the outgoing President. I will be the one to meet the new president. Then I will invite him here for a tête-à-tête,” he said.

The 76-year-old President initially accepted the nomination of the PDP-Laban party to become its candidate for vice president but changed his mind and announced his retirement from politics last October.

A month later, Duterte filed his candidacy for senator but backed out last December.

Duterte said he intends to stay in a small house after he leaves Malacañang.

“I said I will buy a condominium, even if it’s a small one, where I can stay while I am here in Manila. A two-bedroom house will do. After all, I am alone and old. All my children are politicians and they have their own lives. I don’t know where God will bring me. But I trust that he would not let me down,” he said.

Duterte will step down from office on June 30. – Janvic Mateo