“I can’t say no to the President .”
Thus said former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on the possibility of taking over as head of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) which was vacated by former DILF Secretary Ismael Sueno following allegations of corruption under his administration.
“If the President asks you to serve in whatever capacity, you can’t say no,” according to Marcos, who will be eligible for a government post after the one-year appointment ban on losing candidates ends this coming May.
Marcos told reporters during the 70th birthday celebration of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Wednesday he would accept a Cabinet post if offered by President Rodrigo Duterte.
“If a President asks you to serve in whatever capacity, hindi mo naman puwedeng hindian, siyempre para sa bansa ‘yan (you cannot say no, that’s for the country). Of course, I will be happy, I’ll be proud, and I’ll be honored to serve in any position in the Duterte administration,” Marcos said.
Marcos had lodged an electoral protest in June 2016 against Vice President Leny Robredo. He said a cabinet post will not affect his ongoing poll protest. The Supreme Court sits as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal.
Marcos and Duterte did not delve on any talks regarding any appointment in the Cabinet. “I have not spoken to the President for a few weeks now. And never pa naming napag-usapan ang kahit anong klaseng appointment,” Marcos said.