Duterte coveting ‘spare tire’ post?

President Duterte’s very talkative mouthpiece Harry Roque has been mocking Vice President Leni Robredo all these years, characterizing her disparagingly as nothing but a “spare tire.” But nowadays, Roque is so thrilled to mention that his boss whose six-year term is ending in 2022 may be aspiring for that same “spare tire” post himself, assuring the public that any such decision would be “good for the country.”

Nakakagigil na talaga ang di nakakatuwang pagpapakengkoy ng taong ito. First of all, this is totally disingenuous, if not outright deceitful. Anyone with half a brain can see this is Mr. Duterte’s way of perpetuating himself in power. Whoever he might choose to run for president would be as disposable as a diaper.

Secondly, whatever made him think he can do better with another six years given his more advanced age, more weakened health, and more enfeebled mind? Would it not just be more of the “jet-ski kayabangan,” the “drug war kapalpakan,” or the “inutil ako” stance in the face of the Chinese invasion in the West Philippine Sea?

Mr. Duterte has harped on the fact that he only ran for president and not for “statesman”—to excuse his vulgarity and misrule. His sycophants find that joke quite funny, while a great many others can’t decide whether to laugh or cry. We got that already, but must they rub it in?

SCARLET S. SYTANGCO
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