Breaking News : Duterte says no to presidential bid

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After several rumors of him changing his mind, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte announced that he will not run for president in the 2016 elections.

Duterte announced this on October 12, the first day of filing certificates of candidacy in the Commission on Elections.

In a press briefing, Duterte apologized to people who supported him as he went around the country to promote his campaign to change the form of government to federalism.

Several vice presidential candidates have also met with Duterte, separately, with the hopes of becoming his running mate. These include Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Bongbong Marcos. However, all the talks of forming a tandem have fizzled out.

The tough-talking mayor said he had no ambition to aspire for the presidency. He believes the country does not need him, and he doesn’t find the need to run. Furthermore, he said he had no ambition and motivation to run for the highest post in the land.

Many of Duterte’s supporters have encouraged him to run for president because it is his “destiny.” He has been praised for his iron fist and bringing discipline in Davao City, although many have also criticized his tendency to violate human rights for the sake of law and order.

Instead of running for president, Duterte said he would rather retire from politics at the end of his mayoral term in 2016. That is, if his daughter Sara agrees to run for mayor. Otherwise, he will run for re-election.

“When all is said in the wake of this decision, perhaps we can find comfort in the thought this indeed—this is indeed a beautiful day to end a wild dream,” Duterte said to end his statement.

The filing of COCs will end on October 16, with the official campaign period beginning the next day.

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