President Rodrigo Duterte’s successor should have tried and tested leadership skills, not just a popular politiko, former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said Wednesday (September 23).

In an interview over ANC’s “Headstart,” Alvarez said it was important for Filipinos to choose a competent leader since the effects of the COVID-19 crisis will last beyond 2022.

“‘Pag pumili tayo ng susunod na Pangulo, kailangan may utak kasi iyong mamanahing problema ng susunod na Pangulo napakalaki,” he said.

“Iyong sinasabi kong utak, may kakayahan na mamuno sa ating bansa, iyong leadership quality… Hindi iyong pa-selfie-selfie lang, pa-post-post sa Facebook para maging popular,” Alvarez added.

Asked if his remark was directed at Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Alvarez said, “Wala akong pinapanigan dito. Wala akong pinatatamaan na tao.”

Go, Duterte’s former aide, is known for taking selfies with popular personalities, including world leaders.