MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday called for a "strong opposition" in his hometown Davao City to challenge his family's enduring political hold.

Duterte, the first president from Mindanao, encouraged other politicians to seek elective posts in Davao City, currently dominated by his children.

"If you think Dabawenyos that they are not already up to it then by [all] means [I encourage] other leaders to put up a strong opposition so that the people will have a choice na hindi lang pala ang Duterte ang marunong (that the Dutertes are not the only ones who know what to do). I encourage you to do that," he said in a speech.

The President added that when the city achieves "peace time," he would recommend that other politicians be given a chance to rule in Davao.

"Kung peace time na, sabihin ko sa kanila it's about time we give others a chance," he said.

(If it's peace time already, I'll tell them that it's about time we give others a chance.)

All of the President's children with his first wife Elizabeth Zimmerman occupy the top elective posts in their hometown.

His eldest daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio was reelected mayor of the city while his youngest son Sebastian won his first elective post in the midterm elections as vice mayor.

His eldest son Paolo, who was former Vice Mayor, meanwhile secured a congressional seat for Davao City. His name was earlier floated as among the possible next leader of the House of Representatives.

Duterte served as long-time Davao City Mayor before he won the presidency in May 2016.

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