Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III thanked President Duterte on Monday, July 26, for describing him as a "capable" of becoming the Philippines' next vice president.
"I am humbled by the words of the President. I thank him profusely for mentioning me," Sotto said in a text message to reporters after the President's praises.
During his sixth and last State of the Nation Address (SONA), Duterte said Sotto could be capable vice president.
"He can become a a good vice president," Duterte said. "He is a capable man, a good man."
Sotto earlier confirmed his plan to run for vice president in 2022, with Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson as his running mate for presidency.
But Duterte had also said that he is seriously considering to run for the same post, claiming he could get immunity from possible lawsuits that may be filed against him when his term ends next year.
Sotto said Duterte will be a "formidable" competitor for the vice presidential race.