By Alec Go
The vice presidential race in the upcoming 2022 elections is now an option for President Rodrigo Duterte, though he is hoping for the next country leader to be an ally.
Speaking in the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) meeting on Tuesday (July 6), Duterte said he is “sold to the idea” of running, but is not keen on promising anything.
“I will not promise kung ako. If I run as vice president which you want me to do so, maybe I will. But huwag na tayong mag-promise ng mga pabahay, lahat. We just address the present agony and sorrow of a Filipino,” he said.
Several PDP-Laban executives and members have been urging Duterte to consider the vice presidential bid next year to ensure a smooth transition for the next administration.
“The calling for you to run for [vice] president is because of the desire of the people, not only PDP, for the transition of leadership [that] will ensure [the continuity] ng programang sinimulan ninyo,” PDP-Laban vice chairperson and Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles supported the move, saying that they will ensure that Duterte will not have an opponent in case he decides to run. Duterte said he was “touched by the outpouring of sentiments” despite the “toxic behavior displayed by some and those who are also posturing to run for president.”
Ally leader
Duterte said his dilemma in running would be his relationship with his successor, or the country’s next chief executive.
“Kung tatakbo akong bise presidente na hindi ko kaibigan ‘yung maging presidente, I would be reduced to inutility,” he said.
“If I run for vice president tapos ang presidenteng na-elect ay hindi ko kaibigan, the situation would arise na sabi ko I would remain an inutile thing there,” he added.
He, however, said he will work within his means to be productive while in service. He also expressed hope that the country’s next leader will prevent the country from becoming a narco-state.
Meanwhile, Senator Bong Go, the bet of several PDP-Laban members for presidency, said he is not interested in the position and has no presidential ambitions. – rir
