Duterte 'destined to become president'

MANILA, Philippines -  A former ranking government official on Monday said that the outspoken Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is destined to lead the country come the presidential derby in 2016.

 

Eduardo del Rosario, former National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council executive director, said that while Duterte has initially turned down offers for him to run for the highest post in the land, there is still a chance for him to change his mind.

 

"Ito kasi parang advocacy na ito. There is what we call destiny. Kung talagang destiny ng isang na sya ang mamuno sa ating bayan kahit ayaw n'ya baka sa bandang dulo , ma-encourage siya na tumakbo din," del Rosario told reporters at the sidelines of the Duterte for 2016 President Movement in Greenhills, San Juan City.

 

Being the mayor's friend, Del Rosario, who had worked with Duterte for over six years, said the Davao City local chief executive is a capable of running the country.

 

"As a friend of Mayor Duterte, I worked with him for more than six years as battalion commander from 2000 to 2003 , as Task Force Davao commander from 2004 to 2006 and as Brigade commander in 2009, I know that Mayor Duterte is capable to become president of our country...Malaki ang kanyang kakayahan at maganda ang kanyang ginagawa. Yan ang kailangan ng ating bayan," he added.

 

He also noted what Duterte has done in Davao like being able to lower the crime rate in the city and instill discipline among his constituents.

 

He said there is a "silent majority" supporting the idea of Duterte running for president.

 

Aside from Del Rosario, ex-Philippine National Police chief Roberto Lastimoso was also sighted at the event.