Duterte agreed to run due to “popular calls” within the PDP-Laban for him to seek the second-highest post, the party said in a statement on Tuesday. The ruling party, which will convene next month, is also seeking continuity in the administration’s economic and “war on drugs” agenda.

Duterte was making “the sacrifice” and heeding “the clamour of the people,” Karlo Nograles, executive vice-president of the party, said.

By law, Duterte is not allowed to seek a second term as president, but he has previously said he had unfinished business to complete.