Duterte running for VP in Eleksyon 2022? JV Ejercito says president should relax, enjoy life

Former Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito on Friday said he is not keen to the idea of President Rodrigo Duterte running for vice president in next year’s poll, saying the Chief Executive should instead relax and enjoy life at his age.

“[He has] nothing more to prove. Kasi ako friend ako (I am his friend) , I am concerned also about his health he will be probably 76 or 77 at the time…Siyempre concerned ako (Of course, I am concerned). You have to relax, 77 na e, you have to enjoy life. You deserve to enjoy life,” Ejercito said in ANC interview.

Duterte turned 76 years old last March 28.

Ejercito said regardless the criticism against his administration, Duterte will leave a legacy, particularly in infrastructure development.

“As a friend, I think nag presidente ka na e (you already sat as the country's president). Nothing more to prove. Whatever you say about the administration, you will leave a legacy,” said Ejercito, son of former President Joseph Estrada.

“One of my advocacies, ‘yung infrastructure development, talagang advocacy ko ‘yan (that is really my advocacy), and that is also one advocacy that the Duterte administration will be leaving behind,” he added.

Earlier this week, Duterte said he is “sold on the idea” of running for vice president in the upcoming national elections after his party mates in PDP-Laban pushed him to vie for the post.

Some incumbent senators said Duterte would be the leading candidate if he decides to run for the post and winning the vice presidential race might save him from the investigation of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

This, however, was refuted by some opposition senators, saying Duterte’s possible vice-presidential bid is tantamount to “bending the Constitution” and this will also not guarantee him immunity from ICC’s prosecution. — Hana Bordey/RSJ, GMA News