Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has indicated that there is excitement within the PDP-Laban party at the prospect of former President Rodrigo Duterte potentially running for a senatorial seat in the 2025 midterm elections. This possibility has been a topic of discussion among several PDP-Laban members. Despite the ongoing International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into Duterte’s controversial war on drugs during his presidency, Dela Rosa asserted that Duterte’s potential candidacy is not aimed at obtaining immunity from this investigation.
Dela Rosa, a loyal ally of Duterte and his first chief of the Philippine National Police, clarified that the former president does not need additional protection. Instead, he suggested that Duterte’s potential run could be motivated by a desire to continue contributing to nation-building. Dela Rosa highlighted Duterte’s possible feeling of having more to offer the country following his six-year presidential term.
The final decision, however, rests with Duterte himself. The enthusiasm among party members for his candidacy is palpable, but Duterte has yet to make a definitive decision regarding his political future. Dela Rosa, who is up for reelection himself after winning the 2019 elections under Duterte’s term, emphasized the positive impact Duterte could have if he decides to enter the senatorial race.