By Pearl Gumapos
President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday (Oct. 2) announced his intention to retire from politics.
“In obedience to the will of the people, who, after all, placed me in the presidency many years ago… I now say, sa mga kababayan ko, sundin ko ang gusto ninyo. Today, I announce my retirement from politics. Salamat po sa inyong lahat,” Duterte said in his speech at the Sofitel Manila where he accompanied Sen. Bong Go who filed for candidacy as vice president.
According to the President, running again would be a violation of the Constitution. He also added that he was no longer qualified to run.
“The universal sentiment of the Filipino, as reflected in the different surveys, in many forums, caucuses and meetings to discuss what I should do in my life… I am not qualified. It would be a violation of the Constitution,” he said.
In a Pulse Asia survey conducted last September, President Duterte attained 14% of support as a vice-presidential candidate.
He was followed by Metro Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso (12%), former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (12%), Sen. Manny Pacquiao (7%), and Sen. Bong Go (7%). – bny
