President Duterte said he did not sneak out on an air ambulance for medical treatment in Singapore over the weekend, but was just in Davao in what his spokesman called “perpetual isolation” with his second family. He said that in some situations, the Deputy Prime Minister (in a parliamentary setup, which we do not have) or the Vice President (who is the No. 2 executive official that we have in the person of Vice President Leni Robredo) would run the government. We assume that Duterte has told Lorenzana of this possibility, placing the defense chief on some kind of leash. In case of death, permanent disability, removal from office, or resignation of the President, the Vice President shall become the President to serve the unexpired term.

Source: Philippine Star August 19, 2020 15:56 UTC