Many Filipino netizens are now expressing their outrage against the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic— and we really can't blame them. The utter hypocrisy of the administration in handling the pandemic is far beyond any evils in this world. Just like the island in the West Philippine Sea being taken away from us, the lives of many Filipino are also being stripped of their rights and dignity.
#OustDuterte has been trending on social media, particularly on Twitter, not only in the Philippines but also worldwide.With that, here are some of the moments Duterte said, ‘I will resign.’
‘I offered to resign’ because of endless corruption” – September 2020
During his nationwide address regarding the government's plans for the COVID-19 pandemic. President Duterte once again expressed his plan to step down as the president of the Philippines.
According to him, the never ending corruption in the country is taking its toll on him and he is willing to resign.
“I offered to resign as President,” He said in a televised speech Monday night. “I had everyone summoned. I said I was getting fed up. In my years in government, thee had been no end to this.”
MANILA, Philippines — “I offered to resign as President,” he said in a televised speech Monday night. “I had everyone [in the Cabinet] summoned. I said I was getting fed up. In my years in government, thee had been no end to this [corruption].”
“There’s really no end to this corruption. It’s really hard to stop it,” he added. “Up to now, it’s being committed every day. Can you stop it? You cannot. There’s no way, I’m telling you.”
However, he also expressed his willingness to speak before the Congress to discuss how they could fight corruption.
If the military asked him to step down – July 2019
President himself once said during the anniversary of the Philippine Air Force on July 2, 2019, that if the military tells him to step down, he will do so.
“Do not do it, please, during my term,” begged Duterte. “I told you before. All you have to do if you do not like me, do not bring your weapons and mechanized armor there. Just call me, and we’ll have coffee, and I am ready to say, ‘It’s yours for the taking.’”
But this might not happen for 100 percent of the AFP is loyal to the “flag and the Constitution.”
If son “Pulong” vies for House speakership – May 2019
President himself stated during the oath-taking of newly-appointed government officials in Malacañang on May 27, 2019, that if his son Paolo, a.k.a Pulong would run for position he would step down.
“Itong si Paolo, sinabi ko sa kanya: ‘If you run for speakership, let me know. Kasi kung tatakbo ka, magre-resign ako.’ Kasi marami na tayo. Nandyan na ang kapatid mo na mayor. So uneasy,” said Duterte.
If he is succeeded by Bongbong Marcos or Chiz Escudero – August 2018
In a speech before entrepreneurs at Malacañang on Aug. 14, 2018, Duterte shared that he is already exhausted from never-ending corruption.
“I want you to know that I am thinking of stepping down because I’m tired,” he said.
On the same night, Duterte said he does not think Vice President Leni Robredo would be able to handle the office.
“I think deep in my heart, if you follow the succession and Robredo takes over, hindi niya kaya,” said Duterte then. “Hindi niya kaya, that’s my honest opinion ko lang. Kung sino lang sana diyan, in the likes of Escudero or Bongbong Marcos. I do not think she can improve on anything here.”
If he is given proof of God’s existence through a selfie – July 2018
He once challenged people on July 6, 2018, to prove to him that God exists and if so, he would resign.
“By the way, I believe in one Supreme God. I never said I do not believe in him, God. I am not agnostic. I am not an atheist,” Duterte said.
He said that if someone is to prove to him that God exists, he would immediately step down from the presidency.
If the drug problem in the country continues to get worse – November 2017
During the 67th Founding Anniversary of the First Scout Ranger Regiment in Camp Tecson, San Miguel Bulacan on Nov. 24, 2017, Duterte also said that he will step down as the President if he would not be able to solve the country’s problem on drugs.
“I cannot accept. I simply cannot accept it. And if I cannot control drugs then maybe it is time for me to think about resignation,” he said. “‘Pag hindi ko kaya ito, bababa talaga. Sabihin ko sa inyo.”
If federalism will be implemented during his term – July 2016
Just almost a month of being President, During a speech in an event with the League of Cities and Provinces at Malacañang on July 27, 2016, Duterte said that he will step down if federalism will be implemented during his term.
“Two years, if you have the federal set up, I will resign as President. Three years, sibat ako. Four years, ay salamat,” he said. “My advice is copy, copy the French setup. We have to because ang Filipino gusto talaga niya mag-boto ng Presidente ‘yan. Hindi mo kunin sa kanila ‘yan eh.”
The list goes on and on if we will continue to list down all the times the President cried for resignation. Imagine how tired we are. But of course, being a president is not easy so it's okay to feel like giving up sometimes.
Join the community of Young, Empowered, and Creative! Like, Follow, Subscribe to metroscenemag.com and our socials Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
