PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte seems to be longing for attention. He will be giving up the presidency in three and a half months and the awesome powers that go with it. He is quacking like a lame duck even before his successor is elected.

None of the candidates for president in the May 9 elections has actively sought Duterte's backing. Some have wished for his endorsement, only because they needed the government machinery in their campaign. Having Duterte raise a candidate's hand in campaign rallies and posters may not necessarily attract votes.