Philippines: Duterte candidate for vice-president, a "smokescreen" for the opposition

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declared himself a candidate for the country's vice-presidency on Tuesday evening, a decision denounced by the opposition.

LISA MARIE DAVID POOL / AFP

Text by: RFI Follow

5 mins

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declared himself a candidate for the country's vice-presidency on Tuesday evening to continue his " 

crusade

 " against drugs and the rebels, a decision denounced by the opposition which sees it as a " 

smokescreen

 " and a parade against possible legal proceedings.

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Mr. Duterte, elected at the head of the archipelago in 2016, had suggested that he could run for a second term, even if the Constitution prohibits it.

I will run for the vice-presidency, 

" he announced in a pre-recorded speech, confirming the statement released earlier by his party the PDP-Laban.

“ 

Then I will continue the crusade.

I worry first about the rebellion, then about crime and drugs.

 "" 

I may not have the power to give direction or direction, but I will still be able to express my opinion publicly. 

"

Since taking power, Mr. Duterte has waged a

bloody campaign

against drug users and drug dealers, which claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people, according to NGOs.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) in June called for the opening of an investigation into thousands of murders committed in the context of this “ 

war

 ”, considering that this could amount to “ 

crime against humanity

 ”.

► 

To read also: 

Philippines: the UN denounces a "quasi-impunity" in the "war on drugs"

Turn the Constitution " 

a mockery

 "

In the presidential race next May, the PDP-Laban is expected to support Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go, who has long been close to the incumbent.

However, a fraction of this party, favorable to the star boxer and potential candidate

Manny Pacquiao,

denounced in this Bong Go-Duterte ticket a " 

smokescreen 

", which would aim to reveal only at the last minute their real candidate: Sara , the daughter of Mr. Duterte, who belongs to another party.

1Sambayan, a large coalition of opposition figures, denounced Mr. Duterte's announcement, believing that it made a

mockery of

the Constitution 

 .

Obviously, it's motivated by the fear of being accountable both to the ICC and to our own justice system,

 " the group criticized on Facebook.

If poll favorite Sara Duterte-Carpio or Bong Go win, they could help protect Duterte from criminal prosecution, observers say.

In part of the statement cut before its broadcast, Mr. Duterte specified that he and Bon Go would withdraw from the race if his daughter appeared, explained to AFP Harry Roque, spokesperson for the presidency.

Sara Duterte-Carpio confirmed on Facebook that she was recently informed of the candidacy of her father, who allegedly asked her to support the project or to accept Mr. Go as vice-president.

It was not a pleasant time

 ," she said in a statement.

“ 

I respectfully advised them to stop talking about me and make me the reason they are running or not.

 "

In the Philippines, the president and vice-president are elected separately, the second replacing the first in the event of incapacity or resignation.

(With

AFP

)

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  • Philippines

  • Rodrigo Duterte

  • Drug