Philippines’ Duterte says he won’t seek 2nd term under new constitution

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte said on Friday he would not seek a second term under a new constitution, countering suspicions that he might seek to overturn the single-term limit which prevents him staying in office beyond 2022. A 22-member panel that is reviewing the 1987 constitution is expected to submit its draft to Duterte on Monday. Congress will begin debating the proposed constitution this month, and it will be put to the public in a referendum next year. “Make my term coterminous with the beginning of the draft constitution,” Duterte said in a speech in his hometown, Davao, meaning his term would end when the new charter comes into force, Reuters said. “Make me resign or ask me to step down,” he added.