President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday said the public can "choose an Ilocano" to replace him, still without naming his preferred successor.
Duterte made the remark during the inauguration of the Narvacan Farmers Market in Ilocos Sur, part of the bailiwick of presidential candidate and pre-election survey frontrunner Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.
"Ibigay ko na lang itong isang buwan, alis na ako sa Malacañang. Mamili na kung sino ang Ilocano na leader ang ilagay ninyo doon," Duterte said, earning cheers from the crowd.
The President added that the current composition of his Cabinet is dominated by Ilocanos and that only around three or four are Visayans.
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Duterte has not endorsed any presidential candidate for the May 9 elections even as his daughter, vice presidential candidate Sara Duterte, is running along with Marcos.
Ahead of the start of the campaign period last month, Duterte said he could still endorse a presidential candidate if he sees that it's needed.
The first president from Mindanao, Duterte was elected in 2016 by the largest margin since the restoration of democracy three decades ago.
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