President Rodrigo Duterte has no plans of staying in in office “a second longer” after his term expires in 2022, Malacañang said Friday, even as a draft federal government allows him to seek reelection and stay in power until 2030.
Julio Teehankee, member of the Consultative Committee (Con-com) tasked to review the 1987 Constitution and draw a new Charter, said Duterte and Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo were allowed to seek reelection under the proposed new charter.
Tehankee specifically chairs Con-com’s sub-panel on political reforms.
But Malacañang rejected such proposal.
“[Duterte] has repeatedly said: not a second beyond his term in 2022.. He has said what he said: not a second longer,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a text message to reporters.
Mr. Duterte has repeatedly said he would step down once the country completes the shift to a federal system of government.
READ: Duterte repeat vow to retire after PH shifts to federal system
“If the BBL or federalism is completed by 2022, if it’s in place and requires new elections, I will step down,” he said in one of his speeches. /kga