As Duterte exits Philippine election, will daughter Sara run for president?
- The leader’s ‘retirement from politics’ comes at a time his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, is topping opinion polls
- The last time Duterte said he was retiring, he ran for president shortly after, prompting some critics to suggest his latest announcement is an election ploy
He made the announcement after accompanying former long-time aide, Christopher “Bong” Go, to register his own vice-presidential candidacy at a Commission on Elections centre.
Duterte, whose term ends in June next year, said many Filipinos had expressed their opposition to his vice-presidential bid in surveys and forums.
“The overwhelming sentiment of the Filipino is I’m not qualified, and it would be a violation of the constitution,” Duterte said. “In obedience to the will of the people … I will follow what you wish and today I announce my retirement from politics.”
Go, 47, promised to continue Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs, corruption and criminality if he won as vice-president. He also vowed to fight hunger and ensure efficient and affordable public health services.
“I will be a working vice-president who will do everything I can to serve you all. I will not be a spare tire or just a reserve,” he said.
