PDP-Laban will have to discuss it if Duterte decides on VP run, says Koko

PDP-Laban will not be "dismissive" if President Rodrigo Duterte decides to run for vice president in Eleksyon 2022 because there will be a discussion about it within the party, Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said Thursday.

In a television interview, Pimentel was asked if the party will support Duterte if he wants to join the vice presidential race in next year's polls.

The senator did not directly answer the question, but said: "If the process happens in the party, then we will have to discuss it because he is a party-mate."

"Ako, as a long time party leader, if there is an interest being expressed by a party-mate we will entertain and not be dismissive of it," Pimentel further said on CNN Philippines.

Prior to this, Pimentel said that party members should not force Duterte to run again, saying that Duterte has consistently said in the past that he wants to retire and rest from politics.

"Tingin ko kapag ganoon ang sinabi ng isang tao, in fairness to him, out of respect to him, huwag na natin siya pilitin," said Pimentel.

[As I see it, if that's what the person is saying, let's not force him.]

"I will respect the statements I have heard from the President. Therefore after his presidency he wants to rest and he will no longer involve him in politics," he added.

On July 7, Duterte led the PDP-Laban meeting during which he said he is "sold on the idea" of running for vice president. 

However, during Monday's televised briefing, Duterte said he was only using it as a scare tactic against his rivals.

"Pantakot ko lang sa kanila 'yan [It is only a scare tactic]. Let us see if it is good for the country, I will do it. If it does not contribute anything to the republic, 'wag na lang [never mind]," Duterte said. — Consuelo Marquez/BM, GMA News