23-11-2023 (MANILA) Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte announced that he would reenter the political arena and run for senator or seek the nation’s second-highest position if his daughter, Vice-President Sara Duterte, faced impeachment proceedings.
Duterte’s remarks come as the Vice-President faces public scrutiny regarding her use of confidential funds and her recent request for such funds. An opposition lawmaker has claimed that informal discussions have taken place in the House of Representatives to remove her from office.
During his regular interview with broadcaster SMNI on November 20, which was posted on Facebook, the 78-year-old Duterte, known for his fiery demeanor, stated in the local language, “If you do that, I’ll return to politics. I will be forced to. It’s either I will run for senator or I will run for vice-president, even if I’m old.”
Duterte, who enjoyed high popularity ratings throughout his six-year term, warned unnamed political adversaries that the midterm elections were approaching. The Philippines is scheduled to vote for local leaders, members of the House, and senators in May 2025, followed by the election of the next president and vice-president in 2028.
Addressing his opponents, Duterte declared, “Look, you don’t have a headache as of now. I will be forced to come out of retirement.” The former leader first mentioned the possibility of seeking the vice-president position or a seat in the Senate approximately a year before the 2022 election.
In a show of support for his daughter, Duterte mentioned that Mr. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who lost to President Duterte in the 2022 elections, fully backs Vice-President Sara Duterte and described their relationship as “excellent.” He dismissed speculations of any strain in the coalition between the two families.
The alliance between the Duterte and Marcos families played a significant role in securing landslide victories for both Rodrigo Duterte and Sara Duterte in the May 2022 elections.
