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. Related PostsA Call To Not …

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, …