Acting presidential spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Tuesday said he “would not be surprised” if outgoing President Rodrigo Roa Duterte agrees to be the legal adviser of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go after he steps down from office on June 30.

In an interview with Palace reporters, Andanar said Duterte has no problem working with Go, who has been his longtime aide since 1998.

He, however, said he cannot confirm or deny whether Duterte has accepted Go’s offer.

“Right now, wala pa akong natanggap na pahayag mula kay Presidente na willing siyang maging (I have not received a pronouncement from the President that he is willing to be) legal adviser ni (of) Sen. Bong Go…But again, as one of the closest friends ni (of the) President si Sen. Bong Go, siyempre mentor siya ni (of course he is the mentor of) Sen. Bong Go, I wouldn’t be surprised kung if he will be amenable to become the legal adviser of the Senator,” he said.

On Sunday, Go revealed that he asked Duterte to be his legal consultant.

He clarified that his offer was still being considered by the outgoing chief executive.

Asked if Duterte is open to accepting other government positions should they be offered to him, Andanar said he was not privy to the President’s decision yet.

“The last offer that I saw was to become the drug czar. Pero tinanggihan niya na iyon eh (But he rejected the offer),” he added.

Last month, former spokesperson and presidential legal adviser Salvador Panelo said Duterte has declined the offer to be the drug czar of the new administration.

Panelo said he previously asked Duterte about it, but he replied “It is not my time.”

Duterte, 77, has repeatedly said that he is ready to retire from politics and spend his time as a private citizen with his family and loved ones.

Despite this, he said he wants to continue his anti-illegal drugs campaign in his capacity as a private citizen. (PNA)