Duterte ‘strongest’ possible VP bet for 2022 polls, says Romualdez

FILE PHOTO: Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez (right) with President Rodrigo Duterte (left) after a private dinner at Bahay Pagbabago. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte is the “strongest” possible vice-presidential candidate for the 2022 elections, according to House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez. But he also reiterated keeping his options open for the upcoming polls.

“For me, President Duterte is the strongest potential vice presidential candidate next year. While I am keeping my options open, it is not a good decision to run against the President,” the House leader said in a statement Tuesday.

“I believe President Duterte is very much qualified and capable to run for vice president. He remains very popular five years after his election as the sixteenth president of the Philippines,” he added.

Romualdez issued this statement after the President expressed openness anew over his possible vice presidential run in 2022.

“It’s not at all a bad idea. If there’s a space for me there, maybe,” Duterte said in his weekly public address aired Monday night.

Romualdez backed Duterte, saying he agrees that the Chief Executive “needs to continue his good platforms of government, including [his] fight against corruption, illegal drugs, and criminality.”

Duterte had previously promised to support Romualdez should the lawmaker decide to pursue the second-highest government post.

“Again, let me express my gratitude to President Duterte for his trust and confidence in me,” the congressman said.

Romualdez has already confirmed he will compete in the 2022 elections but has yet to decide which post he will vie for.