The possibility of a political comeback for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has sparked lively discussion following comments by his ally, former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. On Tuesday, Alvarez suggested that Duterte might consider running for office again despite constitutional prohibitions against re-election. This speculation comes amid the official start of the campaign to select Senate and House candidates, drawing attention to the future political landscape of the Philippines.
Duterte, who is now 79 years old, faces significant challenges that could hinder a return to politics. His health remains a concern, raising doubts about his ability to contest the presidential election slated for 2028. Additionally, the International Criminal Court (ICC) is seeking to prosecute him over alleged extrajudicial killings during his controversial war on drugs, which was a defining feature of his presidency. These legal troubles add another layer of complexity to any potential political aspirations.
Alvarez, an ally of the Duterte family, made his remarks through the online media platform Politiko, yet he expressed skepticism about Duterte's potential candidacy. Alvarez admitted that Duterte’s poor health and ongoing legal issues cast uncertainty on whether he could realistically pursue a return to office.
“It would be disadvantageous on their part. If the vice-president is prohibited from running, her father is still there. He can run. Remember, the constitution [only] prohibits re-election,” – Pantaleon Alvarez
The statement has led to increased speculation about Duterte's intentions and future plans. While the Philippine constitution bars sitting presidents from seeking immediate re-election, it does not explicitly prevent them from running again after stepping down. This loophole has fueled conjecture about Duterte’s potential return to politics, despite the formidable obstacles he faces.
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