Opposition groups say Duterte seeks senatorial post to evade accountability in drug killings

Opposition groups and some lawmakers on Monday said President Rodrigo Duterte's senatorial bid is a way to avoid his accountability in the drug-related killings during his administration.

On the last day of the substitution for Eleksyon 2022, Duterte filed his Certificate of Candidacy for senator under Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS), substituting Mona Liza Visorde.

In response to this development, Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate said Duterte is trying to secure a government post to avoid the International Criminal Court's probe into the drug war.

"Pres. Duterte is trying to still keep himself relevant, especially now that he is already a lame duck leader and his once vaunted solid DDS coalition is fast disintegrating into warring factions," said Zarate in a press statement.

"Just like the Marcoses, Duterte and his clique vainly want to strategically place themselves in government positions that they can use as shields  from the numerous cases coming their way when the president steps down from Malacanang.  But the long arm of justice will certainly still reach them, sooner or later; impunity is not eternal," he added.

Bayan Muna Representative Ferdinand Gaite said Duterte's election moves are pathetic, adding that he is using the senatorial bid as a shield from alleged crimes against humanity.

"It is pathetic that the President, in these desperate acts, slid down from being a candidate for Vice President and now to Senator," Gaite said in a statement.

"Despite his earlier pronouncements that he will retire from politics, the reverse is now true in an apparent bid to save his hide from the case filed with the International Criminal Court," added Gaite.

Echoing Gaite, Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay said Duterte is being an "opportunist"

"It is as sinister, opportunist and underhanded as the attempts of his daughter, his aide and allies to run in the 2022 elections," said Palabay in a statement.

Duterte previously said he will pursue the vice presidency, which drew ire from the opposition, who said that such a move would bend the Constitution.

Last month, the President also said he would retire from politics after his long-time aide Senator Bong Go filed a COC for vice presidency. -- Consuelo Marquez/BAP, GMA News