INSTEAD of President Rodrigo Duterte, his former long-time aide Senator Bong Go on Saturday, October 2, 2021, filed a certificate of candidacy (COC) for vice president.
At the same time, Duterte announced his retirement from politics after nearly four decades.
Speaking during Day 2 of the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) at the Sofitel Harbor Garden Tent in Pasay City, Duterte said he was not pushing through with his earlier pronouncement to run for vice president under the PDP-Laban.
"In obedience to the will of the people, who, after all, placed me in the presidency many years ago, I now say, sa mga kababayan ko, sundin ko ang gusto ninyo," said Duterte.
"And today, I announce my retirement from politics," he added.
He said he came to such a decision after hearing the voice of the people as seen in recent surveys.
He was referring to the Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, which showed that 60 percent of respondents nationwide agreed that Duterte’s run for the vice presidency violates the Constitution.
"The universal sentiment of the Filipino has been reflected in the different surveys and in many forums and well caucuses and meetings to discuss what I should do in my life," he said.
"The overwhelming sentiment of the Filipino is that I am not qualified and it would be a violation of the Constitution to circumvent the law, the spirit of the Constitution," Duterte added.
Back on September 8, the Cusi faction of the PDP-Laban proclaimed Duterte as its vice presidential candidate in the May 2022 elections.
Days later, Duterte signed the PDP-Laban’s certificate of nomination and acceptance (Cona) as the party's bet for vice president.
Go, for his part, said he was ready to assume the responsibility to the party left by Duterte.
"Given that President Rodrigo Duterte decided to withdraw his acceptance of nomination. I am here to take on the challenge as the PDP-Laban's vice presidential candidate," said Go.
He said he decided to run for vice president in order to ensure the continuation of the programs of the Duterte administration.
"I have decided to run for VP in the coming elections to continue the good programs and reforms started by President Duterte and, if possible, add to them," said Go.
Previously, Go rejected the nomination of PDP-Laban for him to run for president.
Commission on Elections spokesperson James Jimenez introduced Go and Duterte to members of the media before they gave their respective speeches. (HDT / SunStar Philippines)