CNN Philippines — While running for vice president in next year’s elections may be a “good idea,” President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday said he will not contend for the second highest post in the country if House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez does the same.

In a speech in Malacañang, Duterte said gunning for the vice presidency “would be good,” citing the drug problem in the country, as well as other unfinished business during his term.

However, he bared that he had promised to support Romualdez should the latter run for the coveted post.

“There are a lot of people pushing me to run for Vice President. It’s a good idea I think, particularly if we talk about the drug problem,” Duterte said during an event in the Palace.

“The problem was there was a serious contender also for the speakership, si Congressman Romualdez.

Kaya ang deal ko sa kaniya ganito — huwag ka na lang maghabol diyan , and next election, which is just around the corner, if you run for vice president, I will support you,” Duterte revealed.

“And I will hold on [to] that commitment. ‘Pag tumakbo si Romualdez, wala ako.”

In 2019, Duterte forged a term-sharing deal for the House speakership between Representatives Alan Peter Cayetano and Lord Allan Velasco — to settle the dispute between his allies vying for the post.

Romualdez, who was then also eyeing the position, was named the President’s choice for Majority Leader.