By Deighton Acuin

PHOTO: ABS-CBN News

For House Majority Floor Leader Martin Romualdez, President Rodrigo Duterte is the “strongest” possible candidate for vice president in the 2022 national elections.

Romualdez made the statement after Duterte said during his weekly night address that he is expressing his openness to run as vice president.

“It’s not at all a bad idea. If there’s a space for me there, maybe,” Duterte said in his weekly public address aired Monday night.

The House leader also said that he is keeping his options open for next year.

“For me, President Duterte is the strongest potential vice presidential candidate next year. While I am keeping my options open, it is not a good decision to run against the President,” he said.

“I believe President Duterte is very much qualified and capable to run for vice president. He remains very popular five years after his election as the sixteenth president of the Philippines,” he added.

Moreover, Romualdez backed Duterte by saying the latter “needs to continue his good platforms of government, including [his] fight against corruption, illegal drugs, and criminality.”

Duterte has also been supporting the lawmaker should Romualdez pursue gunning for the second highest elective post in the country.

“Again, let me express my gratitude to President Duterte for his trust and confidence in me,” the congressman said in response.

Romualdez has already made confirmation for candidacy in the 2022 elections, but is still unsure of which position he will run for.