Will he really run for vice president?
President Duterte asked the public to give him just a "few hours" before he makes his final decision about whether or not he will run for vice president in the 2022 elections.
Duterte made the statement after Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said that the President was planning to go to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday to file his certificate of candidacy for vice president.
November 15 is the last day of substitution of candidates for the 2022 polls.
In a YouTube interview with pro-Duterte vlogger Byron Cristobal, more known as Banat By, the President was coy about his political plans but he was clear that he did not like the recent developments.
"In a matter of hours, you would know. I will make the announcement," he said.
"Baka. To ano lang, malaman ng tao na hindi ko nagustuhan yung nangyari (I may run. Just to let the people know that I didn't like what happened)," he added.
Duterte was referring to his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio running for vice president which prompted his long-time aide Senator Bong Go to cry in public and consider dropping out of the vice presidential race. He, instead, pushed Go to pursue the presidency.
Despite him frowning upon the development, the President said he does not blame his daughter.
"Hindi ko naman siya sinisisi kasi, hindi naman kami nag-uusap (I'm not blaming her because we don't even talk)," he said.
"Yung desisyon nila ang ayaw ko na tatakbo siya (It's their decision that she should run is what I didn't like)," he added.
In a phone call with the Manila Bulletin after the development in Comelec, Andanar said that it was President Duterte's plan to file his COC on Monday.
"Yun ang plano niya (that's his plan)," he said.
When asked to clarify the position the President will be running for, Andanar said: "Pwede VP sa Lunes (He may file his COC for vice president on Monday)."
Duterte was originally planning to run for vice president but surprised the public last month when it was Go who filed a COC for the said position. The President likewise announced his decision to retire from politics.
The President had expressed previously his intention to run for vice president because of his love for the country and he would like to continue his programs.