Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was called upon by Gloria Arroyo to re-enter politics
- The meeting between the two former presidents took place after Mr.
Duterte criticized the foreign policy of his successor Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
- Philippine senators have called on Mr.
Duterte to be a special envoy to China because he has a “good reputation” with Beijing.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was urged by former leader Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to return to active politics in an “unofficial” meeting that sparked a wave of fervor among the dictator’s fans.
retirement, people hope he will run for the country’s highest office in 2028.
Duterte, who distanced Manila from the United States and forged closer ties with China during his six years in power, has in recent months questioned the foreign policies of his successor Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
, including his decision to allow Washington access to more military bases in the Philippines. archipelago..
Relations between the Philippines and China have become strained amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, where Manila and several other countries have territorial claims against Beijing.
The maritime dispute also prompted Marcos Jr.
to strengthen defense ties with the United States, a long-time security ally of the Philippines..
Marcos Jr.’s Philippine presidency, an exercise in redemption
Duterte spoke in July with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who praised the 78-year-old leader’s role in promoting “friendly cooperation” between the two sides.
Regarding the East Sea issue, Mr.
Duterte asked Mr.Xi to “have a kind look at the Philippines.
“The senators then called on the Marcos administration to appoint Duterte as special envoy to Beijing, highlighting his “good reputation” with Chinese leaders.
Salvador Panelo, Duterte’s former spokesman, said the politician was not interested in taking on the position.
“First of all, it’s unnecessary.He is a former president.He is enjoying his retirement.Leave him alone,” Panelo said.
But that did not stop Arroyo from persuading Duterte to rejoin frontline politics when they met in Manila this weekend.
“A simple gathering and joyful meeting took place with leaders who served the people in different positions in previous administrations.
They recalled the times when they worked together in government “, said senator and longtime aide of Mr.Duterte, Bong Go.
Go added that Arroyo, who is also vice speaker of the House of Representatives, encouraged Duterte to return to politics.
The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that he refused to reveal Duterte’s reaction.Arroyo has strongly supported Marcos Jnr and vice presidential candidate Sara Duterte-Carpio in the 2022 election.
The Philippines could become a ‘graveyard’ if the US-China confrontation gets out of control:Duterte
Philippine social media users also seem interested in the idea of Duterte’s political resurrection.
One Facebook user wrote: “It’s good to have the iron hand back.
I hope you can solve the people’s pain.
“Another person said:
“Now turn back, I hope your unity is a great strength.We believe in you.
“Others urged the old “thug” to take care of his health and let his daughter Sara run in the upcoming presidential election.
According to government data, Duterte’s presidency was also marked by his brutal war on drugs, in which at least 6,221 people were killed in anti-drug operations from July 2016 to November 2021.
Human rights groups have warned that the real death toll could be more than three times the official figure, not including killings of drug suspects allegedly carried out by vigilantes.
