In this file photo taken on July 26, 2021, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his final State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, Philippines. (JAM STA ROSA / POOL PHOTO VIA AP)
MANILA – Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, whose term ends in June, has said that he started packing his things barely four months before he hands over the presidency to the successor.
"I have started packing and shipping my things (to Davao City)," Duterte said in a taped public address aired late Monday night.
Before being elected president in 2016, Rodrigo Duterte had served as the Davao City mayor for 23 years
"I started shipping the small things, the tokens, the bronze ones which are heavy," he said. The 76-year-old leader lived in Davao City with his family. He commuted between Metro Manila and his hometown during his six-year presidency.
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"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 also said he plans to buy an affordable two-bedroom condominium unit in Metro Manila to hang out whenever he is in town for a visit.
Before being elected president in 2016, Duterte had served as the Davao City mayor for 23 years.
There are 10 presidential aspirants on the campaign trails. According to surveys, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, 64, son of former president Ferdinand Marcos, is leading in the opinion polls. Trailing behind him are 56-year-old incumbent Vice-President Maria Leonor Robredo, Manila City Mayor Francisco Domagoso, Senator Manny Pacquiao, Senator Panfilo Lacson, and five others.
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In the Philippines, the president and vice-president are elected separately. Duterte's daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio, 43, will run for vice-president as the running mate of Marcos Jr.