If the ruling party wanted to ensure continuity of the reform agenda, President Duterte has suggested the search for a presidential candidate who will not venture into corruption.

The President made the proposal shortly before mentioning his former aide and now Senator Christopher Go as a possible alternative candidate in next year's elections. Duterte currently serves as chairman of the ruling PDP-Laban party.

"The best way is really, the faster way to do it is for the PDP to look for a viable candidate for the presidency. Now dito sa, in our narratives now, it would seem na, makuha lang natin ang continuity or at least the money of the people protected is we have a president who would not go into corrupt ways," Duterte said during a taped meeting with party leaders that was aired on state television Wednesday, July 7.

Duterte then raised the possible presidential bid of Go, saying his former assistant was "ready anytime."

"With the present crop of candidates now, baka ang alternative 'yan siguro baka ang gusto mo si Bong Go ang tinutukoy mo. Bong Go is ready anytime... he is being humble," Duterte said.

Go thanked for the support but made clear he has no ambition to become the country's next president. He admitted that the presidency was a thankless job, citing he has witnessed how Duterte works at the Palace 24 hours a day.

PDP-Laban party leaders earlier urged the President to run for vice president and choose the standard bearer in next year's polls.

In the meeting, Duterte said he was "sold to the idea" of running for vice president but admitted his dilemma. He was concerned that he might end up being an inutile vice president if the country's next leader was not an ally.