Duterte says presidential bid fueled by 'hatred of government'

MANILA, Philippines – Davao City Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte on Tuesday evening opened his campaign launch by saying he is running due to his hatred of the government.

Contrary to his pronouncement on November 2015 when he said his presidential bid is on the table after being disappointed by the Senate Electoral Tribunal's junking of presidential aspirant Sen. Grace Poe's disqualification case, Duterte said he is running because he is mad at the government.

“Bakit tumakbo? Galit ako sa gobyerno,” Duterte said at the beginning of his speech.

During the course of his speech, the tough-talking mayor cursed while expressing his anger on the government and the oppression of the Filipinos by fellow Filipinos.

Duterte said if he wins the presidency he will not be sworn in Luneta and may only be seen at the Malacañang to avoid traffic.

It can be recalled that Duterte cursed at the pontiff during his proclamation rally last December when he narrated the traffic ordeal he experienced during the papal visit. 

In his hour-long speech at the campaign rally, Duterte again cited road closures as one of the inconveniences caused by the current administration. He expressed anger about these inconveniences and explained he was only cursing because it angers him to see that citizens suffer because of the government.

“'Wag ninyong pakinggan ang mga mura ko. Nagagalit lang ako para sa inyo,” Duterte said.

Duterte kicked off his campaign at the heart of Manila in Tondo, joined by his vice presidential running mate Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.

His campaign was attended by an estimated 3,000 supporters of his “Tapat at Malasakit” campaign.