Sotto unfazed by possible VP run vs Duterte

Senate President Vicente Sotto III. Senate PRIB file photo

MANILA, Philippines — The possibility of running against President Rodrigo Duterte in the 2022 vice presidential derby does not bother Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III at all.

“If ever I do decide to run, my goal will be to offer what I can to our people,” Sotto said in a text message on Monday when asked if he is ready to run against Duterte should he decide to join the vice presidential race next year.

“Whoever is vying for the same post will have no beget in my resolve,” the Senate leader added.

Sotto has earlier admitted in a television interview that he is thinking of running for vice president.

But in a separate statement to reporters, he said he is “inclined to accept the challenge to serve the country for a different purpose other than lawmaking.”

“I am still contemplating on the idea and I am weighing my options. I have yet to make a decision. I will have a better answer by the third quarter of the year,” Sotto said.

“Having said that, let me say that I am inclined to accept the challenge to serve the country for a different purpose other than lawmaking,” he added.

Duterte, meanwhile, is being urged by his colleagues in the ruling PDP-Laban to seek the second highest post in the land as his term ends next year.

During its national council meeting held in Cebu City Monday, the political group even adopted a resolution urging the President to run for vice president.

It was Duterte himself, as chairman of PDP-Laban, who ordered the convening of the party’s national council.

JPV