Philippine leader runs for senate, goes back on vow

Manila: Philippine President  Rodrigo Duterte on Monday  filed his candidacy for a senate seat in next year’s elections, walking back on his  vow that he would retire from  politics when his term ends  and prompting rights groups  to say the leader is working to  evade accountability for his  deadly anti-drug campaign  while in office. Duterte filed  his senatorial candidacy at  the Commission on Elections before the deadline for  last-minute contenders in  May’s nationwide elections.  Duterte announced early last  month that he was retiring  from politics after dropping  plans to run for vice president due to what he said was  widespread public sentiment  against the move. His initial  plan to seek the vice presidency outraged opponents  and activists in the country.