Philippines – Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has decided to run for senator in next year’s elections, abandoning his plans to retire from politics. Duterte’s representative filed his candidacy on Monday, the deadline for political parties to choose their candidates, putting an end to uncertainty about the controversial leader’s game plan. Many in the Southeast Asian nation were both delighted and …

Senator Panfilo Lacson of the Philippines announced his candidacy for president in next year’s election, the first to confirm a bid to succeed the controversial but popular President Rodrigo Duterte. Lacson, 73, announced his candidacy with Senate Speaker Vicente Sotto, a former actor, singer, and four-term politician who would serve as his vice-presidential running partner. “Between Senate President Sotto and …

President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines accepted his party’s nomination to run for vice president in next year’s election today, pursuing a strategy criticized by opponents as a bid to retain his hold on power. Duterte, 76, is not eligible to seek for a second term under the constitution, and his interest in becoming vice president, a typically ceremonial position, …