MANILA, Philippines \u2014 Remember President Rodrigo Duterte\u2019s promise to change into a presidential leader?<\/p>\n
He\u2019s going there, just be patient.<\/p>\n
This, at least, is according to Senator Sherwin Gatchalian when asked in an interview at the Senate on Wednesday if the trash-talking Duterte should now act presidential and refrain from making green jokes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think he (Duterte) has mentioned that many times. In fact, prior to his assumption, he said he will metamorphose into a presidential figure,\u201d Gatchalian said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think that metamorphose process is probably taking some time, but I think it\u2019s going there, [he is] still working on it. I think we have to be patient,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
The senator believes the President is already trying to transform himself into a \u201cmore presidential leader.\u201d<\/p>\n
In 2016, Duterte promised to become presidential once he assumed his post.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am not yet president. Maya-maya, maghintay kayo (You need to wait). I\u2019m really a rude person. I\u2019m enjoying my last time as a rude person,\u201d the President said in an interview in June 2016.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I become president when I take my oath of office\u2026 ibang storya na yun\u2026 (It’s a different story) There will be a metamorphosis,\u201d he added. \/ee<\/p>\n