Philippines’ Duterte agrees to run as vice president in 2022

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has agreed to run as vice president candidate in next year’s elections, the PDP-Laban party said on Tuesday.

The PDP-Laban party made the announcement ahead of a national assembly where it is also expected to endorse Mr Duterte’s aide and incumbent senator Christopher Bong Go, to be its presidential candidate in the 2022 polls.

The executive vice-president of the ruling PDP-Laban party, Mr Karlo Nograles said in a statement that, “Mr Duterte is making the sacrifice and heeding the clamour of the people.”

In the Philippines, the president is limited to one six-year term and Mr Duterte’s term is due to end by June next year.

However, his vice-presidential run is seen by political observers as a backdoor to the presidency.

According to Mr Nograles, the move would guarantee continuity of the administration’s programmes during the past five years, including those meant to address illegal drugs.

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Kamila/Reuters