Mayor Rodrigo Duterte Decides to Run for President in 2016 (Video)

The tough-talking Mayor of Davao City, finally made an official decision to run for President of the Republic of the Philippines in the upcoming national elections. The decision of Mayor Duterte came after the ruling of Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) favoring Sen. Grace Poe against a petition to disqualify the senator on the grounds of her citizenship.

For the very first time, the Davao City Mayor decided to run for the highest position in the country after months of giving mixed signals about his presidential bid. The good news spread like wildfires on various news outlet and even the social media trending topics was dominated by the excitement of Mayor Duterte’s supporters who have been waiting for the mayor’s decision.

The statement of the 70-year-old Mayor Duterte about his intention to run for President was revealed during a party in Dasmariñas, Cavite. During the past few days, Mayor Duterte revealed to the media that his decision to run for president was already open.

Mayor Duterte was quoted as saying during the event “What made me decide to run? Was it an offer for money? No. Gusto ko lang sabihin sa lahat stop (expletive) with the Filipinos… I have nothing against Grace but if you run for the highest post in the land…it must be reserved for a true-blue Filipino,” Duterte said.

“If ever you make it, you will be a presumptive president by citizenship. Hindi ko matanggap yung ganun. What will happen when she is disqualified because she is American? Give me an Igorot, an Aeta, a plumber. Kahit ano basta Pilipino.”

Mayor Duterte also noted during the interview with the media that the only thing that could change his decision not to run for President, is when Sen. Grace Poe could producer her birth mother to prove that she is a Filipino. The mayor even added that he would gladly campaign for Poe if she is able to prove that she is a natural-born Filipino.

Watch the Video Interview with Mayor Duterte on His Decision to Run for President: