President Duterte will likely win if he runs for vice president in the 2022 national elections, according to a Palace official.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque expressed confidence about the President's poll chances, citing that Duterte has remained popular in the country. He made clear though that Duterte has yet to make a decision on whether or not to seek the second highest government post in next year's elections.
"Well, ako po’y sang-ayon naman po doon (Well, I agree with that," Roque said over RMN radio Wednesday, June 2, when asked to comment on Senator Imee Marcos' view that Duterte will secure victory if he joins the vice presidential race.
"Talagang malinaw naman po na sa anim na buwan na nakita ko ang datos, hindi po bumaba sa 90-91 ang trust at satisfaction rating ng ating Presidente bagama’t napakaingay ng kanyang mga kritiko so wala naman pong isyu doon (It is really clear that based on the data I've seen in the past six months, the President's trust and satisfaction ratings have not been lower than 90 to 91 despite his noisy critics. So there is no issue there)," he added.
But for now, Roque asked the public to wait for the President's decision about his political plan. "Hindi pa nga po nagdidesisyon ang Presidente. Ang sabi naman po niya ay pag-iisipan pa po niya (The President has not yet decided. He said he will think it over)," he said.
Roque hinted that Duterte's decision will likely be made before the filing of certificates of candidacy set this coming October.
"Abangan na lang po natin dahil sa ayaw at sa gusto naman ng lahat ng mga kakandidato, pagdating ng Oktubre, kinakailangan sila ay magdesisyon na (Let's just wait because whether the candidates like it or, by October, they have to make a decision)," he said.
Asked about the President's potential presidential bet in the 2022 polls, Roque said it was premature to respond since Duterte has not even made up his mind yet on the proposed VP run.
"Kapag tinanong natin na sino ba ang magiging ulo niya eh we are assuming na tatakbo na siya. So siguro po, antayin muna natin ang kaniyang desisyon kung siya ay tatakbo bago natin tanungin kung sino iyong magiging ulo niya (If we ask who will be his standard bearer, we are assuming he will run. So maybe let's wait for his decision on whether he will run before asking who will be his candidate)," he said.
The ruling PDP-Laban party recently adopted a resolution seeking to convince its chairman, President Duterte, to run for vice president next year.
Roque recently said the President's decision on whether or to seek the vice presidency will depend on the "message from God." Duterte, elected on a promise to wipe out illegal drugs and corruption, will end his six-year term next year. The Constitution prevents the President from running for reelection.