By Lilian C. Mellejor
DAVAO CITY, Sept. 7 (PNA) — Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has declared with finality that he is not running for president in the 2016 national elections.
“After talking to my family and to all persons who are interested in my career as a politician, I would like to categorically state now and…also end the agony of all those who are waiting for me…na hindi ako tatakbo ng president…wala akong ambisyon maging presidente (that I will not run for president…I have no ambition to become president,” Duterte said during a press conference at Grand Menseng Hotel on Monday.
In checkered polo shirt, Duterte arrived at half past 4:00 pm for his press conference. He turned back his own standee set up by the hotel and asked to roll down all the posters and tarpaulins with his face and name. He even refused to answer further questions from the press after his statement.
Speaking before the press, familiar faces that have been seen with him and the barangay officials, Duterte apologized for his decision.
“Yan ang usapan sa pamilya namin (That’s what I have discussed with my family). I am sorry to all of you who believed in me all along…who spent money and toiled tirelessly – maybe advertise my name. It is no longer my time to be in politics,” he said.
Duterte said he will retire after his term ends next year. According to him, he already talked to his daughter, former mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio for her to run for the mayorship.
He thanked several local government officials for their warm welcome during his Listening Tour and for their expression of support if he is running for president. Among those he mentioned are leaders in Mindoro, Dagupan in Pangasinan, the Laurels of Batangas, the Mercados of Southern Leyte, Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane and Mayor Predita Alberto of Virac Catanduanes and others who have own parties but compromised themselves because they are waiting for his decision.
“I told you before it’s all about Federalism. Ikot-ikot ako sa Pilipinas promoting Federalism…iba gusto suportahan ako ng presidente (I moved around the country promoting Federalism…others wanted to support me for president),” Duterte said.
The mayor even committed to campaign to return the goodwill of the people who have accepted and welcomed him during his Listening Tour.
In the meantime, Duterte said he would also help the campaign of Representative Roman Romulo for senator, Representative Samuel Pagdilao, the son of Senator Villar – Representative Mark Villar, who will run for the senate.
For president, “I will keep an open mind whom I will support. I will decide maybe last minute,” he said.
Duterte wished them luck and hoped for clean and honest elections.
He also thanked and apologized to the Moro people who have exhibited enthusiasm to his Federalism campaign and a presidential bid. But beyond the Listening Tour, Duterte wished someone will embrace Federalism, promising that he will find someone that will support it.
“I will play an active role not as a politician anymore,” he said. If the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) will fail, Duterte promised to look for candidates that will help the Moro people. (PNA)