Duterte won’t stay ‘a second longer’ as President after 2022

President Rodrigo Duterte has no plans of staying in in office “a second longer” after his term expires in 2022, Malacañang said Friday, even as a draft federal government allows him to seek reelection and stay in power until 2030.

Julio Teehankee, member of the Consultative Committee (Con-com) tasked to review the 1987 Constitution and draw a new Charter, said Duterte and Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo were allowed to seek reelection under the proposed new charter.

Tehankee specifically chairs Con-com’s sub-panel on political reforms.

But Malacañang rejected such proposal.

“[Duterte] has repeatedly said: not a second beyond his term in 2022.. He has said what he said: not a second longer,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a text message to reporters.

Mr. Duterte has repeatedly said he would step down once the country completes the shift to a federal system of government.

READ: Duterte repeat vow to retire after PH shifts to federal system

“If the BBL or federalism is completed by 2022, if it’s in place and requires new elections, I will step down,” he said in one of his speeches. /kga