Rodrigo Duterte announces his intention to withdraw from politics and renounces running for vice presidency in the next elections, given that the Philippine Constitution prohibits him from a second term as president. The president, who will complete his six-year term in office of authoritarian style and methods next year, has lent his support to the running for vice presidency of his close ally, Senator Christopher Go.
“In obedience to the will of the people, who after all elected me to the presidency many years ago, I now tell my fellow citizens that I will follow your will and announce my withdrawal from politics,” said Duterte, noting that the vast majority of public opinion did not consider his candidacy to the vice presidency advisable because it would have violated the spirit of the Constitution.
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