Outgoing chief executive Rodrigo Duterte called on the Filipino people to rally behind president-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., saying the public has spoken and elected their chosen leader.

In his Talk to the People on Monday, Duterte said: “We must all be united in confronting the issues ahead of us. We have no room for politicking actions that are divisive the country. Nagsalita na ang tao, may mga lider tayo.”

Duterte made good on his word and did not endorse any presidential candidate for the 2022 elections, even though his daughter Sara was the running-mate of Marcos Jr.

The Congress proclaimed Marcos Jr. as president-elect on May 27, after securing a historic majority vote of 31 million.

Duterte said that his successor “would need the cooperation and help of everybody. We must give it to him. That’s democracy.”

The outgoing president reiterated that the incoming administration need the support and solidarity of the people. “I urge my fellow Filipinos to rally behind and support our new leaders so that can build on the gains we have achieved these past six years.”

“We have no room for politicking or go into a divisive exercise in whatever endeavors that you can think of just to divide the country. Huwag nating gawain yan,” Duterte continued.

Marcos is set to be inaugurated as the 17th president of the Philippines on June 30 at the National Museum.