The controversial but popular mayor of Davao City, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte vowed to stop saying he will not run for President in the upcoming 2016 election. According to the Mayor of Davao City, he will keep an open mind before the filing of certificates of candidacy in October 2015.
Mayor Rodrigo Duterte considered the overwhelming support shown by friends, individuals and groups who are egging him to give the presidency a run. The Mayor noted that he is now weighing his options given the country’s serious problems.
Supporters and allies of Mayor Duterte have been waiting for him to finally come out and categorically declare that he is running for President in the May 2016 polls. During the past few days, the mayor repeatedly said he will not run because of old age, poor health and lack of funds but the Davao City Mayor now changes tune and will consider for a higher position.
The Mayor of Davao also noted during an interview that the presidency is a destiny which only God could bestow. Mayor Duterte have been monitoring the results of surveys on who will succeed Pres. Aquino. Based upon the latest Pulse Asia survey he is now in third place with 15% increase in ratings while in the SWS latest survey, Mayor Duterte also jumped from 15% to 20%.
Some of Duterte’s friends and supporters, the ratings of the Mayor could have been higher had he not categorically stated that he was not interested in presidency.
Reports also noted that in Southern Philippines, those who will campaign against Duterte will surely face a revolt and upheaval from his own people. Political analysts also stated that in Visayas and Mindanao alone, Mayor Duterte 75-80% of votes, estimated at about 13 million, which is really strong enough for a presidential aspirant.