Duterte warns Marcos faces Philippine splinter on charter change

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures during his speech in Davao, southern Philippines late Sunday, Jan 28, 2024. - AP

MANILA: Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte doubled down on his opposition to charter change, alleging that his successor Ferdinand Marcos Jr is backing such moves to stay in power beyond the single, six-year term set in the Constitution.

The 78-year-old ex-leader also floated a plan for the southern Mindanao island to separate from the rest of the nation in a briefing on Tuesday (Jan 30) night from his hometown in Davao City. Congressman Pantaleon Alvarez is leading efforts for a possible signature drive on the "desirability of Mindanao seceding from the Republic of the Philippines,” said Duterte.