Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said President Duterte could make his May 2022 election plans known on Tuesday night, Aug. 24 during the latter's televised public address.
"Siguro po yung kumpirmasyon kung tatakbo siya sa pagiging vice president or hindi, manggagaling na po mismo sa bibig ng Presidente (Maybe the confirmation on whether or not he will run for vice president, it will come directly from the President's mouth)," Roque told reporters during a virtual briefing at past noon Tuesday.
The Palace official was asked what the agenda would be during President Duterte's "Talk to the People" event, which was supposed to take place Monday, Aug. 23.
Roque confirmed that Duterte spoke with Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) President Alfonso Cusi on Monday night. Duterte sits as chairman of the ruling party.
"I can confirm na nag-usap po sila (that they talked), I do not have personal knowledge kung ano ang nag transpire (as to what transpired) and I will leave it to PDP-Laban as a political party to make the announcement," Roque said.
PDP-Laban members have been trying to convince Duterte to run for the vice presidency to achieve a semblance of continuity. In fact, the party has already nominated him as its vice presidential bet for next year.
Duterte will end his six-year term as chief executive next year. While the 1987 Constitution prevents him from seeking reelection, nothing in it prohibits him from running for the next lower position, which is the vice presidency.