Malacañang on Friday reiterated that President Rodrigo Duterte is not running again for president under the proposed federal system of government.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said Duterte does not want to stay in power after his term ends, dismissing reports that he wants to stay as chief executive until 2030.
“He has said what he said: not a second longer,” Roque said.
In other developments:
• Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Friday rejected the proposal of the Consultative Committee to allow President Duterte to seek another term should a federal government system be installed.
“I disagree as to allowing President Duterte to run again. That changes the present rules,” Pimentel told reporters in a Viber message.
According to the newly drafted Constitution that would shift the country from a unitary to the federal system of government, Duterte can run again for president if he wants to.
“Their term will end in 2022. There’s no ban. They can run under a new constitution,” member of the Palace consultative committee on the Constitution Julio Teehankee said.
He said under the proposed Charter, Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo could run for another four-year term if they bid for reelection.
Duterte has repeatedly said he wanted to go home to Davao City when his term ends. He has also said he will step down as President if the new Constitution is placed during his term.
