President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday bared a conversation he had with son Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte regarding the latter’s recent announcement of his decision to step down from his post.
The president said he only told his son to do what he thinks is best for his current situation and never suggested that he resign.
“I told him, ‘It’s up to you. You are in a position to do what is right. Whatever you think is right for you, do it,” Duterte told reporters in Davao City.
“I never suggested any resignation, maybe it was because of the daughter, the pictorial and… maybe he got hurt with the past insinuations… ‘Let the people decide. But if you think that there is a better [way] to do it, do what is right.” ‘That’s all,’” the President added.
On Christmas day, the young Duterte resigned as Vice Mayor of Davao City, citing the unfortunate events of his life closely tied to his failed first marriage to Lovelie Sangkola Sumera, the involvement of his name in the smuggling issue at the Bureau of Customs, and his social media war with daughter Isabelle, as reasons.
Paolo Duterte, speaking about his resignation, said, “When I was growing up my parents never failed to remind us of the value of the time-honored principle of ‘delicadeza’ and this is one of those instances in my life that I need to protect my honor and that of my children.”
(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 12/ 26 / 17)