De Lima: Duterte's so-called 'retirement' from politics must mean the opposite

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima expressed doubts on the sincerity of Mr. Duterte's recent pronouncement that he is retiring from politics considering his tendencies to deceive the public.

De Lima, Duterte's fiercest critic, made the statement after Duterte announced his retirement from politics after accompanying his former aide, Sen. Bong Go, in filing the latter's certificate of candidacy for vice president last Oct. 2.

"Going by Duterte's perfect 0/10 track record for honesty and truth telling, the announcement of his so-called 'retirement' from politics must mean the opposite. Mukhang tatakbo nga," she said.

"Ang tanong: Ano na naman kayang drama at panlilinlang ang pinapakulo ng #DramaKing sa Malacañang?" she asked.

It may be recalled that Duterte first confirmed during his weekly national address last Aug. 25 that he would run for vice president in next year's elections claiming that he had decided to seek the post due to the lack of viable contenders in the vice presidential race.

Prior to endorsing Go, Duterte even signed the Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) as the vice presidential candidate of PDP-Laban last Sept. 23.

The lady Senator from Bicol lamented how Duterte continues to deceive the people.

"Kahit na lang sa pag-file ng certificate of candidacy, binubudol-budol pa ni Duterte ang sambayanan. Kunwari hindi tatakbo, kunwari nagpapapilit. Bumenta na 'yan. Hindi karnabal ang eleksyon na pwedeng paglaruan ulit at kenkoyen ang mga Pilipino," she said.

Political analysts also raised skepticism over Duterte's declaration, noting that last-minute changes were still possible, calling to mind how, in 2015, Duterte entered the presidential election race long after the deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy for the 2016 Presidential Elections had passed.