Duterte to reconsider withdrawal from presidential race

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Mayor Rodrigo Duterte might run for president after all in next year’s election.

Duterte vowed to his supporters that he would never leave them and that he would reconsider his earlier position not to seek the presidency.

“I am asking for a little for more time, so I can do some final soul-searching with myself and my family,” Duterte said in a text message read by former Armed Forces chief Hermogenes Esperon to thousands gathered at Quirino Grandstand last Saturday to push Duterte to run for president.

“And after that little more time, I am going to face the nation again and I will face all of you and I will decide with all my heart and my mind and I promise you, I will never leave you.

“I know you want an alternative to those who now present themselves with their ambition to lead the country. I have repeatedly said that I do not have the ambitions to be your president. Leaders answer not to their self-interest or their personal glory. Leaders respond to duty and moral obligation,” he added.

Duterte also apologized for not being able to meet his supporters at the Quirino Grandstand.

He explained he was in Zamboanga City to find a solution to the kidnapping of three foreigners and a Filipina last Monday at the Holiday Ocean View Marina in the Island Garden City of Samal. The captives were reportedly brought to Sulu.