With the decision, Rodrigo Duterte has dropped his plans to run for vice president in 2022’s elections when his term will end, avoiding a legal battle with opponents who have been questioning such a move.

Addressing a press conference in Manila today, the Philippine President Duterte said, "The universal sentiment of the Filipino has been reflected in the different surveys and in many forums, caucuses, and meetings to discuss what I should do in my life."

"The overwhelming sentiment of the Filipino that I am not qualified and it would be a violation of the Constitution to circumvent the law, the spirit of the Constitution," Rodrigo Duterte said.

"And so, in obedience to the will of the people, who after all placed me in the presidency many years ago, I now say, 'sa mga kababayan ko, sundin ko ang gusto niyo' (to my countrymen, I will follow your wishes)." Duterte added. "And today, I announce my retirement from politics. Salamat po sa inyong lahat (Thank you all)."

Duterte, who swept to victory in 2016 on a promise to rid the country of drugs, made the surprise announcement today at the venue where he was expected to register his candidacy.

The tough-talking leader neither specified when he would quit politics nor announced the name of his preferred successor, but Philippines' political experts are expecting it will be his daughter, Sara Duterte, who has been the front runner in recent elections.