Duterte discourages Sara from running for president anew

President Rodrigo Duterte once again discouraged daughter Sara Duterte, current mayor of Davao City, from running for president "unless you are driven by patriotism."

In a speech delivered before soldiers in Sulu on Monday but aired on Tuesday morning, Duterte said running for presidency is not something you do "for ambition."

"Huwag kang mag-presidente unless you see something na kaya mo para gawin sa bayan. For just a matter of ambition? Lay off. Wala ka talagang makukuha diyan, pagod lang," Duterte said.

Sara's name has been floated as a possible presidential candidate in 2022, although she has denied intention to seek the highest post in the land in the next national elections.

Duterte, in his speech, said there is no money in being president unless he or she engages in corruption. He even said that military generals earn more than the president.

"Trabaho mo presidente? Susmaryosep! Suweldo mo P194,000. May ibang general dito mas malaki pa sa suweldo ko, sa totoo lang," Duterte said. 

"Trabaho ka diyan (presidency), wala kang makuha. Unless gusto mong mamera, ah kaya," he added, pointing out that it's been his personal policy not to allow his office to get involved in government transactions. 

Sought for clarification on Duterte’s remarks, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Tuesday the President only emphasized that the presidency is a “thankless job.”

“Ayaw niya na ganyan 'yung buhay ng kanyang anak. He is saying it’s the most thankless job in the country and he has said that consistently,” Roque said in a televised briefing.

“There is no gain to becoming a president unless you’re corrupt.  It’s all public service. That’s what he’s saying.”  —with Virgil Lopez/KBK, GMA News