DUTERTE IN POWER GRAB
President Rodrigo Duterte will stand to be vicepresident in the next Philippine election in an effort to prolong his grip on power, increasing speculation that his ambitious daughter, Sara, is being groomed for the top job.
Mr Duterte’s six-year term ends next year and under the constitution he cannot run a second time. But his party has named him as its candidate for the vice-presidency, suggesting the leader will be a puppet.
The announcement was met with apparent coolness by Sara, a popular politician who has been seen as a potential presidential frontrunner.
However, this was regarded as an attempt to disarm criticism the family is bent on establishing another of the dynasties that have dominated Philippine politics for decades.
The vice-presidency would enable Duterte, 76, to exercise continuing influence over the new government.