2024 RT Amination Banner.gif

China Daily

Asia Pacific> Asia News> Content
Thursday, August 16, 2018, 16:38
Spokesman: Duterte could resign if Marcos Jr becomes VP
By Reuters
Thursday, August 16, 2018, 16:38 By Reuters

This file photo taken on April 29, 2017 shows Philippines' President Rodrigo Duterte gesturing as he speaks during a press conference at the end of Association of Souteast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders' summit in Manila. (Ted ALJIBE / AFP)

MANILA — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte could step down if the son of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos succeeds in overturning his 2016 vice presidential election defeat, Duterte's spokesman said on Thursday. 

Duterte's spokesman, Harry Roque, said the president had a "real, genuine wish to step down" if a qualified leader could replace him

Duterte's single term ends in June 2022 and he has spoken often recently about quitting before that. At two separate events on Tuesday he said he was "ready to go", expressing frustration about his failure to tackle illicit drugs and corruption in government. 

However, he said he was reluctant to do that now because a constitutional succession would mean handing power to Vice President Leni Robredo, whom he said was not up to the job. 

ALSO READ: Philippines to cancel HK firm's US$1.5b casino project

Robredo, who leads the opposition party, was not Duterte's choice for vice president and was elected separately having narrowly defeated Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the son and namesake of the ousted former ruler. 

Marcos, better known as "Bongbong", has challenged the result alleging fraud. 

The Supreme Court has ordered a recount, a complex process that got underway in April and could take several years. 

Robredo says she won fairly. 

Duterte's spokesman, Harry Roque, said the president had a "real, genuine wish to step down" if a qualified leader could replace him. Marcos was among those he would prefer, Roque said. 

"If there's development and he will win the protest and he becomes the vice president, yes, he will make true his word," Roque told a regular news briefing. 

In a statement, Marcos expressed his gratitude to Duterte for showing faith in him, but said the president should finish his term. 

READ MORE: Duterte visits Hong Kong, apologizes for 2010 hostage crisis

"I urge him not to leave the presidency as our people still need him for the betterment of our lives and our country," Marcos said.

Share this story