Follow us for updates
© 2021 reportr.world
Read the Story →

Duterte Says 'Count Me Out' of VP Race if Leyte's Romualdez Runs

The President breaks his silence.
by Arianne Merez
Just now
Photo/s: Presidential Photo
Shares

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday addressed talks about a possible vice presidential bid for him in 2022, saying he had promised support to House Majority Leader Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

Duterte said he would not run for vice president should Romualdez, who represents the first district of Leyte, seek the post next year. Romualdez is a nephew of Former First Lady Imelda Marcos, whose family supports Duterte.

"'Pag tumakbo siya (Romualdez), count me out but I will support him because I promised him," the President said in a speech.

Duterte was referring to the pledge he made Romualdez when he brokered the term-sharing deal for the House Speakership between Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano and Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco.

In 2019, the President asked Romualdez to inhibit from seeking the House speakership and promised his support instead should the latter run for vice president in 2022. Romualdez heeded President Duterte's advice then, leading to the term-sharing agreement between Cayetano and Velasco.

Continue reading below ↓

With the promise, Duterte said it would be "useless" to discuss a vice presidential run for him.

Allies of the President such as his chief legal counsel Salvador Panelo have floated a possible Duterte-Duterte tandem for 2022 with the chief executive's eldest daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio as the bet to succeed the 76-year-old leader.

Continue reading below ↓
Recommended Videos

"Pag hindi tumakbo si Romualdez, wala rin ako siguro," Duterte said. "Everybody wants a good rest after..."

Duterte has repeatedly said he is against his daughter running for president.

ALSO READ

Reportr is now on Quento. Download the app on iOS and Android or visit the Quento website for more articles and videos from Reportr and your favorite websites.

Latest Headlines
Read Next
Recent News
The news. So what? Subscribe to the newsletter that explains what the news means for you.
The email address you entered is invalid.
Thank you for signing up to On Three, reportr's weekly newsletter delivered to your mailbox three times a week. Only the latest, most useful and most insightful reads.
By signing up to reportr.world newsletter, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.