Duterte wonders when Cayetanos’ political dynasty ends

July 30, 2019

President Rodrigo Duterte is wondering when the Cayetanos political dynasty would end.

Duterte made the statement in jest when he was acknowledging the Cayetanos, led by Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, during the launching of 911 Tesda in Taguig City, their bailiwick.

"When can your dynasty end?" he said.

Cayetano is the representative of the 1st District of Taguig City, while his wife Lani is 2nd District's. Cayetano's brother Lino is the mayor of Taguig, while his sister Pia is a senator.

But Duterte also acknowledged his family could be considered a political dynasty.

"Well, you can ask the same question safely with me," he said. 

Duterte's daughter, Sara Duterte-Carpio, is the mayor of Davao City, while his youngest son, Sebastian, is the vice mayor. His oldest son Paolo is the representative of the 1st District of Davao City.

Duterte, who used to criticize his youngest son for being busy in womanizing, said Sebastian now "worries about the public interest...and that is - I am grateful to God."

The President earlier said that he was against political dynasties.

But he said it should be the people to be blamed because they are the ones voting for these individuals. Celerina Monte/DMS