DAVAO CITY —President Rodrigo Duterte recently announced he is retiring from politics, a reason why he fielded his top aide Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go to run for vice president come 2022 elections.
In an interview with reporters Duterte emphasized “In obedience to the universal will of the Filipino people , I just announce my retirement from politics Salamat sa inyong lahat (thank you everyone), I remain a partyman.”
Duterte has repeatedly announced he is tired and wants to go back here and enjoy his life with his grandchildren and during the recent convention of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan (PDP–Laban), Duterte was nominated by his partymates to run for vice president.
“The overwhelming sentiment of the Filipino is that I’m not qualified, and it would be a violation of the constitution,” Duterte said. “I will follow what you wish, and today I announce my retirement from politics.”
Duterte who is now 76-year-old. however said, he remains a party man.
Duterte announced his surprise withdrawal from the election after accompanying his former longtime aide, Sen. Bong Go, who registered his vice presidential candidacy instead under the ruling party at a Commission on Elections center.
The Philippine Constitution limits the term of the President to only six years and it does not allow reelection.