Philippine leader Duterte's preferred successor quits presidential race

FILE PHOTO: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte raises the hand of Philippine Senator Christopher "Bong" Go after filing his certificate of candidacy for president for the 2022 national election, at the Commission on Elections, in Manila, Philippines, November 13, 2021. REUTERS/Lisa Marie David/File Photo

MANILA (Reuters) -Philippines leader Rodrigo Duterte's preferred successor, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, announced on Tuesday he was dropping out of the presidential race, leaving the administration without a candidate in next year's polls.

Go, Duterte's long-time aide, had recently hinted he may pull out of the presidential contest and said the president respected his decision.