Palace: Duterte's endorsement of presidential bet could be a 'game changer'

Malacañang on Wednesday said President Rodrigo Duterte's endorsement of a potential successor could be a "game changer" as presidential candidates seek additional support ahead of the May 9 elections.

With only three months until he steps down from office, acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said Duterte still enjoys broad public support, which allows him to avoid lame-duck status.

"Clearly, the President is no lame-duck President. As I said before, clearly the endorsement of the President is not a kiss of death for any presidentiable," Andanar said at a news conference.

"Maraming nagtatanong, maraming nag-aabang, kasi nga it’s a game changer kapag si Presidente ang nag-endorse."

(Many are asking and many are waiting since it's a game changer if the President makes an endorsement.)

At least two presidential bets—Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Isko Moreno—are hoping to clinch Duterte's support.

The PDP-Laban faction allied with Duterte has already backed Marcos, who recently met with the President to discuss several matters, including Duterte's experience in running the country. 

Duterte is set to visit vote-rich Cebu province on Thursday to receive updates on the government's peace and development initiatives in Central Visayas as well as attend a PDP-Laban campaign rally.

It was unclear whether Duterte would make an official announcement about his preferred successor at the campaign event. 

"Iyan ay inaabangan ko rin, dahil wala naman akong impormasyon, kung talagang magi-endorse si Presidente," Andanar said.

(I am also looking forward to it because I do not have information on whether the President will make an endorsement.)

Last month, Duterte said he would not support any presidential candidate unless he saw what he called "a compelling reason."

More recently, Duterte said the next president should be compassionate and a lawyer like him. — VBL, GMA News