‘In obedience to the will of the people,’ Duterte announces retirement from politics

President Duterte is quitting politics when his six-year term ends next year.

The President pulled out of the vice presidential race and announced his imminent retirement from government service on Saturday. The President’s trusted aide and now Senator Bong Go will run for vice president instead in the 2022 elections.

“In obedience to the will of the people who after all placed me in the presidency many years ago, I now say sa mga kakabayan ko: Sundin ko ang gusto nyo. Today I announce my retirement from politics,” Duterte said in a somber tone Saturday.

Duterte said he was aware of the people’s sentiment opposing a possible vice presidential bid next year. He said some Filipinos think he is not qualified for vice president and that such VP bid would be unlawful. “It would be a violation of the Constitution to circumvent the law, the spirit of the Constitution,” said Duterte, a lawyer.

Duterte will end his six year-term as president in June 2022. He initially wanted to run for vice president so he can supposedly escape prosecution amid plans of critics to sue him when his presidential tenure ends.

Nagpaubaya kay Sara! Duterte shelves VP bid in favor of Bong Go

Duterte, 76, accompanied Go when he filed his certificate of candidacy for vice president at the Commission on Elections field office at the Sofitel Tent on Saturday. The duo shocked the nation over the change in their political plans.

Duterte started his public service career as a state prosecutor in the south more than three decades ago before becoming Davao City mayor, lawmaker, and eventually the President of the country.

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Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)