The ruling Philippine party on Wednesday chose President Rodrigo Duterte as its presidential candidate in the next election, in what is considered a maneuver to keep the popular president close to the center of power and shun the constitutional ban on re-election.
Instead, the presidential candidate declined the offer.
Duterte, 76, known for his vulgar rhetoric and a war on drugs that has killed thousands of suspects at home, told his PDP-Laban national congress that he hopes “this will allow us to continue to serve the Filipino people and help the whole nation move forward toward greater progress. “
Duterte personally attended the convention in San Fernando City, north of Manila, while others attended line, abiding by the protocols against COVID-19. The party was the first to meet to choose candidates ahead of the May 9 national elections.
“Do you know why I will be running for vice president? Out of ambition? Maybe. But is it really out of love for the country? Yes,” Duterte said. “Is it because I want to see the continuity of my efforts even if it’s not me who gives the guidance? Maybe it can help.”
The president maintains a high level of popularity despite the difficulties caused by COID-19, with increased transmission and death rates and a slow vaccination campaign.
Jean Alzines-Franco, a professor of political science at the University of the Philippines, said Duterte has “the audacity to run” and the government postulated it because “they feel encouraged by the president’s approval and confidence rates. despite the awkwardness of the pandemic response. “
Polls indicate strong support for Duterte along with his daughter Sara as a presidential candidate, although he hinted that he would step aside from the campaign in turn if she ran for head of state.
Sara Duterte, 43, is the mayor of Davao City and a member of the HNP regional party she founded in 2018. Nationwide she supports her father’s party.