PRESIDENT Duterte yesterday teased the public about a possible run for vice president, saying it is “a good idea” because he still has things to do and there will problems unsolved problems like the proliferation of illegal drugs and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
However, he reiterated his desire to retire, and said he would keep a promise he made to Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez.
Duterte’s term ends in June next year.
The President, during Malacañang ceremonies re-enacting the signing of several bills, said that during the speakership row in 2019 between then Representatives Alan Peter Cayetano and Lord Alan Velasco, he promised that he would support Romualdez if the lawmaker decides to run for vice president in 2022.
“There a lot of people pushing me to run for vice president. That’s a good idea I think, particularly if we talk about the drug problem. Until now, billions, everyday billions, not millions, billions are seized. I am scared. I am not worried, I am scared for the next generation,” he said in mixed English and Filipino.
He said he was also thinking of how the pandemic could be solved but said it could be handled by the next president.
Duterte said that as far as his promises during the campaign are concerned, he was able to address corruption, as many people have been fired from government, and criminality, which he resulted in lower crime rates.
Duterte said what he failed to accomplish is the completion of many infrastructure programs, which he said is beyond his control.
He said it is because of these promises that he thought it is a good idea to run for vice president, although he acknowledge the position is just a “flower there until the other wilt.”
He also said that “everybody wants a good rest after a gruelling (job)” and he hopes to complete his term.
The ruling Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban ng Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban last month adopted a resolution urging the President to run for vice president and giving him the right to choose who will be his running mate for president.
Duterte said he will keep his promise to Romualdez when he asked him to back out of the speakership race in 2019.
He said if Romualdez runs for vice president, he would not seek the vice presidency. If Romualdez does not run, “wala rin ako siguro (I am probably out also),” he said.
The President, during the event, urged Congress to pass the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, the Foreign Investments Act, and the Public Service Act, which he said are necessary to boost the economic recovery.
“I ask Congress to act on these legislative measures so that they may be sent to my desk for signature at the earliest possible time. As we take more concrete steps to revive our economy and help our people recover from the effects of the pandemic, I hope that more government agencies will foster greater cooperation with each other,” he said.
He said he is looking forward to a continued and more productive relationship between the executive and legislative branch to create an environment that is more conducive to the Filipinos’ growth and the country’s progress.
Duterte also thanked Congress for the passage of the four new laws which he said will open more opportunities for Filipinos to serve in government and enable some local government units to render more efficient and inclusive service and eventually bring the government closer to the people.
The four laws signed during the ceremonies were Republic Act (RA) No. 11549 or An Act Lowering the Minimum Height Requirement for Applicants of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor); RA No. 11544 or An Act Converting the Municipality of Calaca in the Province of Batangas into a Component City to be Known as the City of Calaca; RA No. 11545 or An Act Reapportioning the First Legislative District of the City of Caloocan into Two Legislative Districts; and RA No. 11546 or An Act Reapportioning the Province of Bulacan into Six Legislative Districts.
