Duterte: I promised to back Martin Romualdez for VP in Eleksyon 2022

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday indicated his support for House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez if the Leyte representative would run for vice president in Eleksyon 2022.

“Another serious contender [for speaker] was Congressman Romualdez. Sabi ko, huwag ka na maghabol riyan. Next election, if you run for Vice President, I will support you,” Duterte said during the signing of four bills into law at the Palace.

“That is to break the impasse. I gave my word to Romualdez. Pag tumakbo siya [for Vice President], count me out. Because I promised him. That is the formula,” he added.

Romualdez was present during the President’s announcement.

The ruling party PDP-Laban earlier adopted a Resolution urging Duterte to run for vice president in the 2022 elections.

It appears Duterte has taken himself out of the equation.

“Pag tumakbo si Romualdez, out ako. Pag hindi, wala rin ako. Everyone wants a good rest after a grueling take,” Duterte said.

Duterte was referring to the three-cornered fight for the speakership among Romualdez, Taguig Representative Alan Peter Cayetano, and Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Velasco.

Cayetano served for 15 months and Velasco is now the incumbent Speaker.

Romualdez has since been the majority leader.  —NB, GMA News