Duterte confirms vice presidential run in 2022 elections

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 25) – President Rodrigo Duterte has confirmed he will run for vice president in the 2022 elections.

Duterte made the confirmation before ending his late night address to the nation on Tuesday after he was asked by Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo.

"Tatakbo ako ng bise presidente (I will run for vice president). Then, I will continue the crusade...Number one is insurgency. Then criminality, drugs," the President said.

PDP-Laban earlier released a statement saying Duterte has accepted the ruling party's endorsement for him to run for vice president next year.

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"I may not have the power to give the direction or guidance. But I can always express my views in public. For whatever it may be worth in the coming days, nasa Pilipino na yan (it's now up to Filipinos)," the President added.

Duterte's possible vice presidential bid was floated as early as May, when PDP-Laban members adopted a resolution pushing him to run for the post.

Earlier this month, the PDP-Laban faction led by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi formally endorsed Duterte as its vice presidential bet, with Senator Bong Go eyed as the standard bearer.

The 1987 Constitution does not categorically prohibit a sitting president from running for lower positions.