Duterte Finally Says He Will “Consider” Running for President

Hardcore fans of Davao City major Rodrigo Duterte can now take a sigh of relief after the tough mayor said on Sunday he will now “consider” running for president on 2016 national elections.

In his weekly program at a local news channel there on Sunday, Duterte said, “I will consider the suggestion of my friends and supporters.”

He also said he will stop issuing statements that he is not interested in running for the top executive post.

Considered as Davao City’s strongman, Duterte is known for his hard line on crime and is often linked to a vigilante group in the city. He repeatedly said earlier that is will not run for president.

“Wala ho akong pera at matanda na po ako,” he told Jessica Soho in an interview late last month. “I am ready to retire from public office after nitong 2016.”

He reiterated that he is not aspiring for any national position citing his age and lack of financial support.

In the latest Pulse Asia survey on possible presidential bets, Duterte ranked third with 15 percent, behind neophyte Senator Grace Poe and Vice President Jejomar Binay.

The latest poll from the Social Weather Stations showed that Duterte is fourth top choice for president with 20 percent, after Poe, Binay, and Interior Secretary Mar Roxas.

Many political analysts believes that Duterte has a big chance to upset his opponents if ever he run for president because of solid vote from Mindanao and other Cebuano-speaking provinces.

“This will be the first time that a strong candidate from the South will run for president and I think people will surely support him. People are tired of redundant politicians from Luzon”, political analyst Professor Matty Salcedo told reporters on Monday.

Supporter of mayor Duterte have been raising funds for his possible presidential campaign since earlier this year. “A dollar for Duterte” and “Peso for Duterte” fund raising campaigns have been put-up here and abroad.

/ Carla Gamboa/ Assisted Press

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