Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 30) — President Rodrigo Duterte has already signed his certificate of candidacy (COC), but it is not clear if he will personally file the document with the Commission on Elections, Malacañang said on Thursday.
“Hindi ko po alam kung ano ang magiging desisyon ni Presidente, antayin po natin ang Oct. 8,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque replied in a briefing when asked if Duterte will personally file the document. “Ang alam ko lang po ay meron na siyang pinirmahang certificate of candidacy at acceptance of nomination.”
[Translation: I don’t know what will be the decision of the President, let’s wait until Oct. 8. What I’m only aware of is he already signed a certificate of candidacy and acceptance of nomination.]
Duterte earlier this month formally accepted PDP-Laban’s nomination for him to run for vice president next year. In one of his weekly addresses, Duterte said there were no other viable candidates for the post.
Malacañang previously said there is no rule mandating Duterte to resign if ever he runs for an elective post next year.
On Tuesday, when asked if it was possible for Duterte to reconsider his plan amid criticisms that his candidacy runs contrary to the intent of the Constitution, Roque said anything is possible until the COC is filed.
The filing of candidates’ COC for the 2022 elections will be from Oct. 1 to 8, including Saturday and Sunday. Political aspirants can file their COCs through an authorized representative from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
As for his own plans for 2022, Roque said the public should just wait until Oct. 8 to know if he will decide to run for senator.
Meanwhile, aspirants seeking to substitute for a candidate who withdrew from the party ticket can file their COCs until Nov. 15. However, if the reason is death or incapacity, substitution would be until midday of May 9.
