MANILA: Outgoing Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced his withdrawal from the Senate race in May 2022 on Tuesday. Duterte, 76, formally withdrew his candidacy for a Senate seat at the Commission on Elections.

According to local media, Duterte signed a declaration withdrawing from the campaign. A photo of the President when he filed the certificate of withdrawal was also shared by a poll body official. The White House has yet to make an official statement.

On November 15, the deadline day for candidate substitutes, Duterte filed his certificate of candidacy. Senator Christopher Go, the outgoing president's long-time assistant, formally informed the poll commission that he was withdrawing from the contest for the May 2022 presidential election just hours before the outgoing leader's announcement. Senator Christopher Go was elected in 2019.

Duterte announced his retirement from politics in October and stated he would not contest in the May elections. Presidents of the Philippines are limited to a single six-year term by the constitution.

Duterte's aide Christopher Go withdraws from Philippine prez poll in 2022

Biden's approval rating is lowest due to his management of inflation, Covid, violence

S.Korea: 70000 inmates, officers at correction centres to get tested for Covid