Almost a week after saying that he was "somehow sold" to the idea of running for vice president next year, President Rodrigo Duterte said his constant mention of a possible bid for the second highest post was just meant to scare off his critics. Duterte, however, reiterated that he is open to joining the race for the vice president "if it is good for the country." "Ako naman ‘yung vice president ko, pantakot lang sa kanila ‘yan (My mention of a possible run for vice president was just intended to scare them off)," the president said during a pre-recorded public address last Monday. Duterte advised Carpio to "run at some other time" because she would end up being maligned if she joins the presidential race. Duterte, meanwhile, told his political allies last week that he was "somehow sold" to the idea of running for vice president, He, however, expressed concern that he might become an "inutile" vice president if the next president is not his ally.

Source: Philippine Star July 13, 2021 09:33 UTC