In this Feb 28, 2021 photo, Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippines' president, addresses officials during a vaccine arrival ceremony at Vilamor Airbase in Pasay City, Manila, the Philippines. (PHOTO / BLOOMBERG)
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he will run for vice-president in the 2022 elections, but his spokesman said there’s a chance the leader would stand down if his daughter seeks the presidency.
Under Philippine law, a president can only be elected for one six-year term
“I will continue the crusade. I’m worried about the drugs, insurgency,” Duterte said in a briefing aired late Tuesday. “I may not have the power to give the direction or guidance, but I can always express my views in public.”
The ruling party PDP-Laban, which will convene in September, earlier Tuesday said Duterte has accepted its vice-presidential endorsement due to “popular calls” among its members.
However, his spokesman Harry Roque said in a separate message Wednesday, the Philippine leader could still drop his vice-presidential bid if his daughter, Mayor Sara Duterte, runs for the top post.
Duterte has been sending mixed messages about his post-presidency plans for months, saying once that he’s keen to retire, but later describing a vice-presidential bid as “a good idea.” He also said running for the second-highest post would help him retain political leverage, although he’s also willing to give way to allies.
ALSO READ: Duterte accepts endorsement as 2022 vice-presidential candidate
Opposition coalition 1Sambayan, in a Facebook post Tuesday, said Duterte’s intention to run for vice-president is “driven by fear of accountability” from the International Criminal Court, which seeks to probe the leader’s war on drugs which has killed thousands. His possible candidacy has also raised legal questions about how it could circumvent the constitution’s intended limits to a president’s term.
Under Philippine law, a president can only be elected for one six-year term.
Duterte is employing the same tactics as he did during the 2016 race, which he entered as a substitute candidate, opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros said. “Duterte started his presidential run with a whole lot of drama, and it looks like he will be leaving us the same way — trying to confuse us,” she said.
Duterte’s former aide, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, in early August said he’s open to run for president next year if the leader will be his running mate. Vice President and opposition leader Leni Robredo, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, boxer-turned-Senator Manny Pacquiao and former Senator Bongbong Marcos are also potential presidential contenders.