Barely five months into his six-year term, President Duterte is mulling over resigning if he feels nothing is coming out of his efforts to improve the lives of Filipinos.

“If I cannot improve for even a few bars, notches above, the one thing for me to do is – this is for real – either I would resign or give it (presidency) to somebody else,” Duterte said.

With so many tasks at hand – from eradicating the drug menace to alleviating poverty and improving the country’s foreign relations – Duterte reiterated he has had no illusions about the weight of his responsibility as president.

He said he has many frustrations with the system and that it’s only his passion to serve that keeps him going.

“Actually, if the situation will remain like this when I step down from office, I will consider myself really a total failure,” he said.

“Masyadong mabigat ang problema at kung marami namang aktor, eh ‘di kayo na lang (The problems are so serious, and if there are many actors interested in the job, you may take it),” he said. “I have no illusions about this presidency.”

With a clear mandate from the people, Duterte said he is determined to work hard for the country’s best interest.

“I will work because I was elected. Why I ran, I cannot tell you why. I’m even asking myself. But I’m trying to do my very best,” the President said. “If I think that I’m a failure or I cannot hack it, might as well give it to somebody else,” he said. “There is no dishonor to be honest to one’s self.”

– Christina Mendez