A Catholic prelate believes President Duterte decision to run for vice president in the May 2022 polls is for self-protection.
In an interview, retired Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes said the President is afraid of being prosecuted by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
"This is highly irregular! Justice (Antonio) Carpio even called this foolish intention of Duterte as unconstitutional!" he said.
"Perhaps his motive of running for VP is self-protection! He is afraid of being prosecuted by the ICC for his crimes: murder of thousands of so-called drug addicts!" added Bastes.
"The long arm of Lady Justice will someday catch him even if he becomes VP, which for me will not happen anyway!" he said.
The ICC earlier called for a full investigation into the alleged crimes against humanity committed in President Duterte’s crackdown against illegal drugs.
For his part, Bishop Broderick Pabillo, the vicar apostolic of Taytay, chose not to comment on the matter.
"I withhold my comment until the filing of candidacy. Duterte's words cannot be trusted," he said.
Duterte on Tuesday announced that he is running for vice president in next year's polls.