No prohibition on ex-president running for VP – IBP

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte can seek an elective post in the 2022 general elections because the 1987 Constitution allows presidents to run for any lower position after their term ends, according to Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) president Domingo Cayosa.

“The Constitution does not explicitly prohibit a president from running for another office after his term as president. What prohibits is reelection,” Cayosa said, noting that there is no legal impediment if Duterte runs for vice president next year.

On Thursday, Duterte told reporters that the public could consider him as a candidate for vice president. “Maybe... to maintain equilibrium for all, consider me a candidate for the vice presidency at this time,” Duterte said.

He, however, reiterated that he would only run if “there is space” as he promised to support House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez if the lawmaker runs for vice president.

In response, detained Sen. Leila de Lima said Duterte cannot escape accountability for his alleged misdeeds while in office if he runs and wins the vice presidential elections in 2022.

De Lima said the vice president is an accountable public servant, “who cannot hide behind the immunity from suit, and whose main purpose for existing is to be an able leader when the president is not.”

“Let’s be real, 0/4 is your compatibility rating with the VP post. So before anything else, make public your SALN (statement of assets, liabilities and net worth) and health records,” she added, asking Duterte to submit to the International Criminal Court his administration’s records on its war on drugs.

Gordon’s dream

Meanwhile, Sen. Richard Gordon confirmed his plans to seek the presidency in the 2022 elections, saying that becoming a president is his “childhood dream.”

“To be honest about it, I’ve been dreaming to be a president ever since I was a child. There is no such thing as false humility here. That’s being fake,” he told “The Chiefs” on One News.

“If you can do it, apply for it. If you cannot do it, shut up. If you have nothing but popularity or a record of money, get away from us,” he said, adding that he has the track record and credentials to join next year’s presidential race.

The senator also lamented the “mindset” of many Filipinos not to go for candidates who are not winnable, regardless of their accomplishments. He also slammed the attention being given to the verbal feud between the President and Sen. Manny Pacquiao.

“It is really ridiculous that we are out of focus. For example, President Duterte and Sen. Pacquiao are fighting – why talk about it? That is their problem,” he said. – Paolo Romero, Sheila Crisostomo