MANILA – Former President Rodrigo Duterte debunked rumors that he has passed away, as being spread in some social media sites the past few days.
The former Chief Executive appeared in a Facebook Live video by Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go to personally deny the rumors, saying that he feels well even at the age of 79.
“Ako po’y matanda na. Hindi natin maiwasan ang balitang may sakit. Wala naman akong sakit. Feeling ko hindi naman ako mamamatay ngayon kaagad,” Duterte said.
He continued: “May katandaan na ako. Tapos na akong magsilbi sa bayan ko at mga kababayang Pilipino. Salamat po sa tulong ninyo.”
Reports of former President Duterte’s death surfaced in various Tik Tok videos in recent days.
Despite hinting that he is already retired from politics, Duterte’s former chief legal counsel, Atty. Salvador Panelo, said the former might stage a political comeback.
According to Panelo, Duterte has no interest to run in the Senate despite him faring well in surveys and might consider running as Davao City mMayor in the 2025 midterm polls.
“Sabi ko sa kanya, ‘Kung ako ang masusunod, tumakbo ka na lang ng mayor kung ayaw na ni (incumbent Davao City Mayor Sebastian) Baste (Duterte),’” Panelo said in an interview with One News’ Sa Totoo Lang.
“Tumakbo kang mayor and then pagdating ng 2028 mag-resign ka. Tumakbo kang bise presidente ni Inday Sara kasi kailangan talaga makabalik ni President Duterte,” he added.
Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio is being tipped as one of the strongest possible presidential contenders for the 2028 presidential elections./PN
