PDP-Laban believes Duterte still open to VP run despite resisting call

The ruling party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) does not see President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement that he is not keen to run for vice president as an outright rejection of their call.

Melvin Matibag, PDP-Laban secretary-general, expressed belief Wednesday that Duterte, the party’s chairman, is still open to the idea.

“Ang linaw naman nung sinabi niya (His statement was clear), I will resist. Hindi naman niya sinabi (He did not say) I will reject,” Matibag said.

“Iba yung outright na sinabi niya, ayoko, huwag na, itigil na ‘yan (It is different from saying outright that he does not want it, don’t do it, stop it),” he added.

The PDP-Laban national council on Monday adopted a resolution urging Duterte to run for vice president in Eleksyon 2022.

The resolution also urged Duterte, the party chairman, to choose his running mate for president in the 2022 polls.

The President, in an interview with Pastor Apollo Quiboloy in Davao City aired on Tuesday evening, said he is resisting overtures from his partymates, adding that he is ready for retirement.

"Mahirap 'yan pastor kasi mag-retire na ko tapos this time ako ang mamili ng presidente (This is difficult as I will be retiring soon, and this time I’ll be choosing my successor for president)," Duterte said.—AOL, GMA News