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Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said on Mon night, Sep 21, that he will not join the presidential race in 2016.
Earlier this month, Duterte announced in a press conference that he has no plans of seeking the presidency.
In the press conference held Mon, Duterte reiterated his previous statement.
The tough-talking mayor cited lack of finances needed bankroll a campaign as one of his considerations for not pursuing a presidential bid.
“Ang problema sa akin, ganito. Hindi ako nanghingi ng pera. Wala akong pera. Wala akong bilyon na naipon. Wala akong alkansya (This is the problem with me. I don’t ask for money. I don’t have money. I don’t have billions put away. I don’t have a campaign fund),” Duterte explained.
He added that he has no ambition in being the country’s chief executive. Duterte also said his family is against him running for the presidency. “Ayaw ng pamilya ko (My family doesn’t want it),” Duterte said.
He also urged his supporters not to push through with the “Million People March” slated on September 26.
“They request for me to run for President. I would like you to do me a favor this time. Pakisabi lang sa lahat huwag nilang gawin sana iyan kasi it would complicate matters. Baka sabihin ng tao atras-abante ako (Please tell them not to go through with that plan because it would complicate matters. People might say I’m being indecisive),” he said.
Duterte intends to have his daughter Sara succeed him as Davao City mayor once he steps down next year. (from a report by Elric Ayop, ABS-CBN News Southern Mindanao)
Photo: News clip
This article has been re-published with permission from ABS-CBNnews.com.
