Philippine President Duterte Abruptly Withdraws Senate Candidacy for Next Year

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-woo] Rodrigo Duterte, the President of the Philippines, has reportedly suddenly withdrawn his candidacy for the Senate election next year. President Duterte recently sparked domestic and international controversy by first announcing his retirement from politics after his presidential term ends, then reversing that decision.

According to AFP and other foreign media on the 14th, the Philippine Commission on Elections announced that President Duterte has withdrawn his previously submitted candidacy for the Senate election. James Jimenez, spokesperson for the Philippine Commission on Elections, stated on Twitter, "The President has submitted a withdrawal letter for his Senate election candidacy." The exact reason why President Duterte suddenly gave up running for the Senate election is not known.

Earlier, President Duterte had caused controversy by announcing his intention to run in the Senate election scheduled for May next year. Initially, he declared he would retire from politics after his presidential term ends in June next year, but he soon reversed that decision and announced his candidacy for the vice-presidential election, followed by the Senate election.

Previously, with Duterte's daughter, Sara Duterte, Mayor of Davao City, running for the vice-presidential election, there was a possibility of a father-daughter contest. However, on the final day of candidate registration last month, he ultimately shifted his focus to running for the Senate election, which is seen as having sparked controversy. Some critics argue that his reversal of the retirement announcement and pursuit of a Senate seat is a ploy to evade various responsibilities related to the 'war on drugs,' which is under investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

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