President Rodrigo Duterte has met with presidential candidate Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr., Malacañang said Thursday, days after the chief executive's political party endorsed the latter's candidacy.
Duterte, who has yet to personally endorse any candidate to be his successor, "recently" met with the only son and namesake of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., Communications Sec. Martin Andanar said.
"It was a cordial and productive meeting, where the President shared his experiences and insights as an outgoing Chief Executive with the presidential aspirant," Andanar said in a statement.
READ: Duterte's PDP-Laban Endorses Bongbong Marcos for President
The 76-year-old Duterte also advised Marcos and expressed hope that his administration's centerpiece programs would be continued by the next government.
Duterte last year branded Marcos Jr. a "weak leader" and recently said that he hopes he would be succeeded by a lawyer.
READ: Bongbong Marcos Unbothered by Duterte's Wish for Lawyer as Next President
While Duterte has yet to formally endorse any presidential candidate, his political party PDP-Laban had expressed support for Marcos Jr.'s candidacy.
Duterte's daughter and political heir Sara Duterte-Carpio is running for vice president along with Marcos Jr. under the "Uniteam" tandem. Both Marcos Jr. and Duterte-Carpio are leading pre-election surveys.
ALSO READ:
What 'Burger' in the Bongbong Marcos, Sara Duterte UniTeam Campaign Means
Bongbong Marcos on Fighting Corruption: Leaders Set the Example