Where they are unable to change constitutions to rule indefinitely, authoritarian leaders often make use of stand-in successors. Rodrigo Duterte of The Philippines is taking this path but his handpicked or successor, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, has quit the race. This article is published by Deutsche Welle. Here is an excerpt:

Philippine Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, President Rodrigo Duterte’s preferred successor for the presidential election in May 2022, announced Tuesday that he is withdrawing his candidacy.

With him Go out, it remains unclear who Duterte will support as a candidate. The president is constitutionally barred from seeking a second six-year term. 

“I and President Duterte are ready to support whoever will truly serve and can continue and protect Duterte’s legacy towards a more comfortable and safe and prosperous life for our children,” Go said in a speech streamed on Facebook. 

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