Duterte to supporters: Choose another ‘presidentiable’

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte told his supporters on Monday night, September 21, to support other presidential contenders in 2016, reiterating that he would not seek the highest post nor endorse a candidate.

In a press conference around 9 pm, he enumerated the reasons he is not running for president despite the continued lobby of supporters from across the country, the latest of which is a planned rally in Manila to meant to convince him to change his mind.

Duterte said he cannot meet the demands of the presidency given his age. “There are so many problems to solve. At my age, I don’t have the energy.”

He reiterated the opposition of his two families to the idea of him seeking the presidency. His ex-wife Elizabeth, mother of his grownup children (including former mayor Sara and current vice mayor Paolo), doesn’t want it. His current partner, Honeylet, with whom he has an 11-year-old daughter, is against it too.

Honeylet, who was present at the press conference, told Rappler that whenever their daughter was with Duterte and admirers would request having their pictures taken with the mayor, “hinahawakan niya ang kamay at hinihila niya palayo. Parang ang gusto ni Kitty, sa kanya lang ang Papa niya.” (She holds his hand and pulls him away. It’s like Kitty wants her Papa all to herself.)

Duterte also said he doesn’t have the “billions” needed for a presidential campaign, and he doesn’t want people to think that he’s floating his name so he could raise funds. 

“Baka sabihin nila nagpapapresyo ako,” he said. “Magturo kayo ng kahit isang negosyanteng hiningian ko ng pera. Bukas agad magre-resign ako.” (I don’t want anybody to think I’m waiting for bidders. If you can point to any businessman who will say I asked money from him, I’ll resign first thing tomorrow.)

Finally, he told organizers of the September 26 Million People March meant to convince him to reconsider a presidential bid: “Stop it, I’m not interested. I won’t be there, and I don’t want people to think I’m doble-kara (two-faced).”

He advised them to choose other politicians.

Duterte said he would not be endorsing a presidential candidate now that he is out of the race. “I will not be supporting any presidential candidate because no president can solve this problem we have now. Six years is not enough for a president to reform this country.”

Finally, Duterte said of the presidency: “It is not my destiny. I do not have any ambition.” – with reports from Karlos Manlupig and Editha Caduaya/ Rappler.com