MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, no person who has been elected to, and has completed, a 6-year term as president can be re-elected. But ex-presidents can run for other elective national offices, like senator.

A recent poll shows that Rodrigo Duterte is the top choice for senator in the 2025 mid-term elections. His potential for election is without any doubt, and so is his becoming senate president.

But there is a third scenario: that he becomes president again in 2025 and beyond.

Consider this:

Duterte is elected senator in 2025 and becomes senate president — the second in line (next to the vice president) – in the presidential succession.

What if Bongbong Marcos becomes incapacitated before the end of his term? Then Sara Duterte succeeds him as president.

What if Sara Duterte resigns her post and renders the OVP vacant? Then, if both president and VP offices become vacant, the senate president takes over Malacañang!

That could be Rodrigo Duterte!