DU30 to honor promise to back Romualdez as VP bet
PRESIDENTIAL spokesperson Harry Roque on Thursday said President Rodrigo Duterte is a “man of his word” and will respect his promise to support House Majority Leader and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin G. Romualdez should the latter decide to run for vice president.
Asked by a reporter during a Palace briefing following reports that President Duterte will run for vice president, Roque said he sees the Chief Executive to honor his promise to endorse Romualdez as his vice presidential candidate.
“Kung tatakbo po si Congressman Romualdez ay susuportahan pa rin niya (Pangulong Duterte). Eh, wala pa namang indication na tatakbo si Congressman Romualdez for vice president,” Roque said.
Roque said he thinks there is no problem with the President’s promise to Romualdez, describing the Chief Executive as “a man of his word.”
“I was there when the President said that [he will support Romualdez]. The President is a man of his word. If Congressman Romualdez will run, then he (Duterte) will not run for Vice President,” Roque said.
Last Wednesday, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte bared the unpleasant event with his father when she was asked to either endorse the tandem of Sen. Bong Go and the President, or take in Senator Go as her vice president, should she decide to run for president.
Earlier, the President said he would give way and support Romualdez if he decides to run for the vice presidency.
In response to President Duterte, Romualdez said he is not closing his doors in the 2022 national elections, as he expressed gratitude to the Chief Executive for the surprise endorsement.
“I thank President Rodrigo Duterte for his trust and confidence in me to hold the second-highest position of the land. I am deeply honored that he considers me, a congressman from the Eastern Visayas worthy to serve as the country’s next Vice President. For this, I will be eternally grateful to the President,” Romualdez, chairman of the House Committee on Rules, said.
“Currently, I am keeping my options open with regard to the 2022 elections,” the solon added.
“For sure, the President’s warm support and words of encouragement will weigh heavily on whatever decision I have to make in October 2021.” Let me assure the President that I will seek his guidance in the pursuit of this decision,” Romualdez said.
