President Rodrigo Duterte need not resign from post, in case he decides to seek the vice presidency, Malacañang said on Thursday.
In an online press conference, Roque said there is no rule mandating Duterte to resign if the President files a certificate of candidacy for another elective post next year.
“Wala po akong alam na rule na kinakailangan magbitiw sa puwesto kapag presidente ang tatakbo for vice president. Wala po akong alam na ganiyang rule (I don’t know a rule that a president needs to step down from post if he runs for vice president. I don’t think there’s such a rule),” Roque said.
Roque issued the statement, in response to the question whether or not Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo would take over, once Duterte runs for vice president in the 2022 national elections.
The filing of certificates of candidacy for all elective positions for the May 9, 2022 national and local elections is set from October 1 to 8 this year.
The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) on May 31 adopted a resolution urging Duterte to run for vice president and choose the party’s standard-bearer in the 2022 national elections.
On July 7, Duterte said he is “seriously” considering accepting calls for him to seek the second top post in the country.
However, Duterte on July 17 said he is only eyeing the vice presidency to “scare off” his critics.
Duterte has yet to make a final decision with regard to his political plans next year.
Source: Philippines News Agency
