If Duterte is too ill to lead the Philippines, who is next in line for power?
Duterte has undermined his constitutional successor, Vice-President Leni Robredo, and appears to have given tacit approval instead to the idea of a junta forming to replace him
Since President Rodrigo Duterte hinted he may be seriously ill last week, the looming question of succession has seen five groups step up their efforts to vie for power.
And their attempts are not likely to wane, even after the 73-year-old leader said on Tuesday: “I don’t have cancer so don’t be afraid to come near me.”
Duterte also told reporters that doctors had suspected cancer but latest tests showed, “I’m not yet cancerous”.
Among those positioning themselves for leadership are Vice-President Leni Robredo, the opposition Liberal Party which she now heads, and members of the Magdalo Group as well as moderate left-wing Akbayan and civil society groups.
Second is former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jnr and his mother, Congresswoman Imelda Marcos, and sister, Ilocos Sur Governor Imee Marcos.
Next comes the Davao group, headed by Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, and other Duterte loyalists. These include retired military officers, sitting public officials and diehard civilian Duterte supporters.
Fourth is House Speaker and former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her political allies, while fifth is the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front and its above-ground organisations.