President says he will not allow daughter to seek the presidency

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

During his recent visit to Bacolod City, President Rodrigo Duterte said he has no interest in staying in office past 2022.

“I am not up for reelection and I do not have the slightest intention of overstaying in power,” he affirmed.

According to Article VII of the 1987 Constitution, the president is elected to a six-year term and is not permitted to seek reelection.

Duterte said, at the end of his term, he plans on returning home to Davao City.

Meanwhile, the president’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, has been floated as a possible 2022 candidate. She has since gained national recognition with her Hugpong ng Pagbabago political coalition, which has campaigned with several high-profile candidates this election cycle including incumbent Senators Cynthia Villar, JV Ejercito, and Sonny Angara; Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos; former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go; retired Philippine National Police Director General Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa; among others.

The president said it is her decision if she seeks the presidency but he expressed doubt she would run.

“[Sara Duterte] is wise,” he explained. “She just wants to shake the tree and get rid of the dry leaves and everything.”

“I will not allow her to run,” the president added./DGB, WDJ