Outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night enjoined Filipinos to “come to terms” with the results of the May 9 polls, noting that incoming leaders including President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. would need their cooperation to ensure the country’s success.

“President-elect Marcos would need the cooperation and help of everybody. We must give it to him,” Duterte said in his fourth-to-the last Talk to the People.

He said the public must respect the decision of the majority, adding that it is the essence of democracy.

“Pag nagsalita na yung taongbayan kung sino yung mga leader na gusto nila, sunod tayo. Iwasan ninyo ang politika (Once the people have decided on who they want as leader, we have to follow. Avoid politicking),” he added.

Duterte said Filipinos must be “united” in confronting issues such as the prevailing Covid-19 health crisis and speeding up post-pandemic recovery.

“We have no room for politicking or actions that are divisive to the country. Nagsalita na ang tao, may mga lider tayo, and me, wala na ako (The people have spoken, we have a leader, and me, I’m about to leave). I will say nothing,” he said.

He said it is wrong to “just plain criticize” the incoming administration that has barely started implementing any policies and programs.

“Ang ayaw ko, baka may maiwan pa, yung namumulitika pa rin (What I dislike is that there may be some left who continue politicking). Or you know, just plain criticize itong bagong administrasyon (this new administration). You do not do that,” he added.

Smooth, peaceful transition

Duterte assured the public of a “smooth” and “peaceful” transition of power to his successor.

“As we approach June 30, this administration is both ready and eager to hand over the reins of government to our incoming leaders. I assure everyone that this process will be smooth and peaceful as we want the next administration to succeed for the benefit of country,” he said.

He noted that it is only though unity and compassion that the nation and people could overcome the country’s challenges.

“My fellow Filipinos, the next administration needs all our support and solidarity. Let us therefore give them our goodwill and best wishes as they endeavor to lead our country towards a better future,” he added.

Meanwhile, he also thanked Filipinos anew for supporting his six-year term as the country’s president.

“To the people of my country, it was a fruitful and productive journey with the help of people from all sectors who I thought early on who can help be build a better future for our children. Maraming maraming salamat sa inyong pagbigay ng tiwala sa akin (Thank you very much for the trust you have given me),” he said.

Duterte said his only aspiration is to step down leaving a better country for this generation and the generations to come through his various policies and programs, particularly his administration’s crackdown on criminality and illegal drugs.

“Kung may ano man ako, advocacy ko (If I would have any advocacy), it’s really to protect the next generation,” he said.

He said he looked forward to his retirement from politics, but noted that he will continue to talk should there be a “compelling need” to do so.

“If there is a compelling need for me to talk, I will do it. But my drift is just really to retire quietly. No more politics for me,” he added.

Marcos was proclaimed the 17th President of the Republic of the Philippines at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City on May 25.

Marcos’ running mate for the 2022 national elections, Davao City mayor and daughter of outgoing President Duterte, Sara Duterte was also proclaimed the country’s 15th vice president.

The Marcos-Sara, dubbed as UniTeam, saw the gathering of the country’s biggest and oldest political clans, through the parties they founded.

Duterte will step down from office by noon of June 30. He will be succeeded by Marcos, son of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos. (PNA)