President Duterte jokingly called Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III as "Vice President," a position reportedly being eyed by the lawmaker and former TV host.
Duterte cracked the joke in his speech at the newly completed Clark International Airport on Saturday evening, July 17.
In his opening remarks, the President pretended to mistakenly call Sotto "Vice President," as he was reading the list of personalities he should greet for his opening remarks.
"President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Vice President Vicente Sotto... ay, ay, ay, ay, ay! 'Senate President,'" he said, causing Sotto to scratch his head in shock and the audience to let out a laugh.
Sotto previously said he was discussing with "some groups" as well as Senator Panfilo Lacson about possibly running for vice president in the 2022 polls.
On Wednesday, Malacañang welcomed the possibility of Sotto and Senator Panfilo Lacson running in tandem for vice president and president, respectively, next year.
"We wish them the very best because, in a democracy, kinakailangan may pinagpipilian ang taumbayan (the people should have options)," Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said.
In a radio interview last week, Sotto hinted at his and Lacson's inclination to run in the 2022 polls as their consultations have so far been "very encouraging."
The two lawmakers have been touring across Luzon to see what the people think about their potential candidacies and plans for the country.
Sotto said he and Lacson may make the announcement if they will run or not on August 5.