Duterte retires from politics, won't pursue VP run
President Rodrigo Duterte Saturday announced his retirement from politics after he did not push through with his plan to run for vice president in the May 2022 polls.
Speaking during the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC) at the Sofitel Harbor Garden Tent in Pasay City, Duterte said: ''In obedience to the will of the people, who, after all, placed me in the presidency many years ago, I now say, to my countrymen, I will follow your wishes.''
"And today, I announce my retirement from politics," he added.
An hour after his announcement, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio of Davao City filed her COC to seek a third term. Duterte's daughter had been leading surveys for the presidency.
Duterte said he came to such a decision after the Social Weather Stations (SWS) said 60 percent of respondents nationwide agreed that Duterte is violating the Constitution by seeking the vice presidency.
"The overwhelming sentiment of the Filipino is that I am not qualified and it would be a violation of the Constitution to circumvent the law, the spirit of the Constitution," Duterte said.
Duterte's former aide, Senator Bong Go, filed his COC to run for vice president.
"Given that President Rodrigo Duterte decided to withdraw his acceptance of nomination. I am here to take on the challenge as the PDP-Laban's vice presidential candidate," said Go.
He said he decided to run for vice president to ensure the programs of the Duterte administration continue. DMS
