By Lilian C. Mellejor
DAVAO CITY, Sept. 6 (PNA) — Mayor Rodrigo Duterte dismissed speculations he discussed with former president Fidel Ramos, who heads the Lakas/National Union of Christian Democrats/Christian/Muslim Democrats (Lakas/NUCD/CMD), matters on his presidential bid in 2016 during their meeting in Makati last week.
Duterte however admitted Ramos offered him the principles of national hero, Jose Rizal, as his guiding light if he becomes president. Ramos said Duterte is a follower of Rizal.
“We did not discuss about politics, wala pud siya naghisgot kinsa iyang suportahan. Wala pud ko nangutana (..he did say who he would support. I also did not ask),” Duterte said during his Sunday television program Gikan sa Masa Para sa Masa over ABS CBN.
This, as Duterte admitted a meeting with Ramos took place in the former president’s office in Makati that was also attended by former press secretary Jesus Dureza, former presidential adviser for Mindanao Paul Dominguez and other political personalities from Davao.
Duterte recalled he was on his way to the airport when he thought of dropping by Ramos’ office. He said they discussed many things but nothing on politics. He said Ramos gave him books he has written such as on governance and a book on Rizal.
“Istorya lang walay politika. Layo pa man – layo ra sa tinuod kay dili gyud ko modagan (We just talked but nothing political. It’s (elections) still far off…it’s far off from the truth because I am not really running),” Duterte said in jest, adding that shortly before he left Ramos told him: “If you happen to make it let Rizal be the guiding light of your governance”.
His meeting with Ramos had sparked speculations the mayor was seeking advice from the former president. It was not their first meeting. In his previous visit here, Duterte even get advice from Ramos such as to get used to holding or attending state gatherings and visit.
Up to this day, Duterte did not openly make a decision on whether to run or not although during a big rally here he said he asked supporters to give him more time to talk to his family.
He has cited family opposition, health, age and finances as major reasons why he is not joining the presidential race in the May 2016 elections.
On family, Duterte’s daughter, former mayor Sara Duterte, has already stated that he has strongly opposed to his father’s presidential bid. She said she only suggested if possible not consider it because of health and age.
According to the mayor, his youngest son, Sebastian, is also opposing a presidential plan. He even quoted telling him in vernacular: “Can you not see yourself walking with an almost arch body”?
Duterte however said his son, Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte is supporting his presidential bid. (PNA)