The tough-talking Mayor of Davao City, Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte made his final decision not to run for President in the 2016 national elections after months of speculations.
Watch Mayor Duterte’s Final Decision:
Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said he will not run for President as noted on his letter dated October 12, 2015 and addressed to “friends and fellow Dabawenyos,” Duterte stressed that he has no ambition of seeking the country’s highest position.
Here’s some part of the official letter of Mayor Duterte on his Final Decision not to run for President:
“I am sorry to disappoint those who spent much and worked hard and long in support of me as I went around the espousing the benefits and advantages of federalism,” Duterte said.
“I therefore beg for everyone’s kind understanding and acceptance of my sincerest apologies. After all, there was no ambition for me to aspire for the presidency. The country does not need me. I find no need for it too. I guess it is fate that wills that our long journey together should end this way,” he added.
According to Mayor Duterte he plans to retire from government service in 2016. Mayor Duterte added the following lines into his letter:
“Time and again, those who believed in me, and in the cause that I advocated, and continued to advocate, advised me to go for the country’s presidency because that is the destiny that awaits me. But I believe that my destiny is to end years and years of public life in the service of Davao City and every Dabawenyos,” Duterte said.
“When all is said in the wake of this decision, perhaps we could find comfort in the thought that this is indeed a beautiful day to end a wild dream,” Duterte ended.
The tough-talking mayor has repeatedly said in various occasions that he will not run for president, but also asked for more time for “soul-searching.”
Photo & Video Credit: Rappler