Ex-Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte urged by Gloria Arroyo to re-enter politics

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte has been urged by ex-leader Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to return to active politics during an “informal” meeting that triggered a frenzy among the retired strongman’s fans, who hope he runs for the country’s top job in 2028.

Duterte, who pulled Manila away from the United States and built closer relations with China during his six years in office, has in recent months questioned his successor Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s foreign policy, including his decision to grant Washington access to more military bases in the archipelago.

Ties between the Philippines and China had strained amid growing tensions in the South China Sea, where Manila and several other nations have rival claims to Beijing’s.

The maritime dispute also prompted Marcos Jnr to tighten defence ties with the US, the Philippines’ long-time security ally.

Duterte in July held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who lauded the 78-year-old’s role in promoting “friendly cooperation” between the two sides.