QUEZON CITY, Philippines (Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte will definitely step down at the end of his term in 2022, according to his spokesperson.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that the President has no intention of extending his term at all.
“I can categorically state that PRRD does not want that. He wants to cut short his term rather than lengthen it,” Roque said in a text message.
This, even if Congress succeeds in implementing a new system of government, and amid speculations that President Duterte’s term may be extended because of the possible transitory period.
“So, unless the Constitution is amended, which includes being ratified by the people prior to the date set in the Constitution, elections will have to push through,” he added.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez also said that the President himself said that he will step down after the system of government is changed to federalism.
“Malinaw po ang sinabi ng Pangulo na yung kanyang termino mag-e-end (The President clearly stated that his term will end) on or before 2022,” Alvarez said in a radio interview.
“Matagal ko nang kilala yan, talagang pagod na rin at kung pupuwede nga lang bukas…,” he added.