By Annabel J. Petinglay
ILOILO CITY, Feb. 27 (PNA) -– Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said that his decision not to run for president in 2016 is already final, considering that he had long been in politics and has no more so much energy to expend.
”I am not deciding on anything,” Duterte, who visited Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. Friday at the capitol, said.
Duterte said the reason he is going around is to push for Federalism as a fallback in case the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is not be passed.
He said that many lawmakers really do not know Mindanao being a “battle ground” so he goes out to speak about Federalism which many in Davao and other places in Mindanao would like to have as form of government.
Meanwhile, Northern Mindanao former Gov. Emmanuel Pinol said that he believes there would still be a change in the decision of Duterte on running for president. He said that supporters should not be discouraged with the mayor’s present decision.
Pinol accompanied Duterte in visiting Gov. Defensor at his office.
Duterte is also speaker on the Federalism forum at the West Visayas State University Friday afternoon. (PNA)