Duterte: The Comeback King of Philippine Politics
Picture this: the Philippines’ political blockbuster stage, and the star Rodrigo Duterte is setting the lights ablaze. On August 24, the ruling PDP‑Laban party dropped a bombshell: Duterte will run for Vice‑President in the upcoming 2024 elections.
Why the twist? The party’s executive vice‑president, Karlo Nograles, said the move was “a sacrifice” to “listen to the crowd’s roar.” He added that the change would keep the administration’s five‑year crusade—especially the bold anti‑drug campaign—on track. In other words, lineage, legacy, and a bit of political game‑theory all rolled into one.
A Backdoor to the Big Chair?
- One‑Term Rule: Duterte can’t run for President again next year because the Constitution limits a president to two consecutive six‑year terms.
- Strategic Move: Critics suspect that stepping into the Vice‑Presidency will be a covert path back to the presidency—especially if his chosen successor, Senator “Bong” Go, secures the ticket but then drops out.
- Go’s Role: Christopher “Bong” Go is the current Senator and Duterte’s right‑hand man. He also chairs the Senate Health Committee and once declared his pride: “Vaccines first, before politics.”
The Game Plan
In late 2019, Duterte’s endorsement helped Go win a Senate seat, a strategic move that cements Go’s influence inside the administration. Now, with the upcoming 2024 polls, the PDP‑Laban assembly on September 8 is expected to officially choose Go as their presidential candidate.
Looking Ahead
While Duterte swears he’s a reluctant champ who “doesn’t crave power,” he’s quietly laying out a shield against potential legal challenges. Think: International Criminal Court investigations possibly looming over dissident violence, and Duterte’s legacy under the microscope. He’s already speaking up about securing “fair legal footing” after his tenure.
So, what’s the bigger picture? Duterte’s “Vice‑Presidential run” is more than a shrug; it’s a grand chess maneuver that could keep his policies humming, keep Go in the driver’s seat, and—if all the pieces fit—potentially steer Duterte back into the Oval Office. This political saga is just getting underway, and keep your eyes peeled.
