PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte said he will consider Senator Grace Poe to be president someday if the Constitution will approve foundlings to run for office.

“I like Grace Poe to be president someday if the requirement remains to be same. But, I said, I think we will amend the Constitution and make that exemption, na ’yung (that) foundling are already qualified,” Mr. Duterte said on Tuesday, at the birthday party of lawyer and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) President Alfredo C. Lim in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

Ms. Poe, an adopted daughter of actors Susan Roces and Fernando Poe, Jr. who, besides, also held US citizenship for a time, was confronted by questions on her citizenship during her presidential bid in 2016 — when Mr. Duterte also threw his hat in the presidential arena and expressed his objection to Ms. Poe’s candidacy.

Mr. Duterte did not believe that she is a natural-born citizen, prompting him to ran for the 2016 national elections.

“She’s my friend. I love her because she’s very good-natured, a gentle lady, and a true public servant. Wala akong problema diyan kay (I have no problem with) Grace,” Mr. Duterte said on Tuesday.

“Pero ’yung akin ho (But my concern is ) that would affect her also was the decision dito (here). Suddenly, I just said, “Eh kung ganun pala, eh ’di tatakbo na lang rin ako,” (If that’s the case then I will run also), he added, referring to a Supreme Court decision, during the 2016 election campaign, upholding Ms. Poe’s citizenship.

“A treaty overruling a very poignant and strict requirement that you must be a citizen paglabas mo sa mundong ito (when you come out into this world). Kasi kung wala kang (Because if you don’t have a) known father or mother, you are a foundling, and then you cannot really say with certainty now that you are a natural-born citizen. ’Yun lang po (That’s all). I disagreed with the Supreme Court,” Mr. Duterte also said.

He also urged Congress to shorten the terms of all government officials, including the President, when they start to amend the Constitution.

“I am addressing myself to Congress. Let us amend the Constitution. Shorten or restrict the powers of everybody, including the Presidency, but make a Constitution that would mandate more accountability and responsibility of officials,” said Mr. Duterte, who is pushing for a federal system of government.

He added: “Either you can do away with my presidency, but if you succeed, I said, in crafting a law, which would ensure stopping corruption in this country, I will be willing. Do not be afraid of dictatorship. I am not aiming for it. I do not ask it and I do not like it.” — Rosemarie A. Zamora

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