Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 29) — With President Rodrigo Duterte recently floating the idea of running for vice president in the 2022 elections, Malacañang says the chief executive still has his eyes on some unfinished business.
“Sinagot po ‘yan ni Presidente: mayroon po siyang unfinished business pagdating po sa droga, pagdating po sa korupsyon,” said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque when asked what prompted Duterte to consider running for vice president.
[Translation: The President has already answered this: he has unfinished business when it comes to (fighting) drugs and corruption.]
Sworn in as president on June 30, 2016, Duterte ran under the promise of ending the country’s drug problem in three months. He eventually extended this deadline to six months, then to three years as he “miscalculated” the problem.
The chief executive eventually promised a drug-free community for Filipinos before the end of his term.
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Roque likewise emphasized the President did say he will only consider vying for the second highest post in the land “if there is space” for him.
In a separate statement, House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez agreed that Duterte needs to continue his “good platforms” against corruption, illegal drugs, and criminality.
“For me, President Duterte is the strongest potential vice presidential candidate next year,” said Romualdez. While he is keeping his options open, the solon added it is “not a good decision” to run against the former Davao mayor.
Duterte earlier said he will not vie for the vice presidency if Romualdez is running for the same post.
