Duterte on winning polls: I carried the right message

MANILA, Philippines — President-elect Rodrigo Duterte said his campaign message led to his victory in the presidential race.

Duterte said his vows to fight criminality and corruption made him president as these echo the worries and concerns of Filipinos here and abroad.

"'Yun ang gusto ng tao…That's their worry…. That is why nag-landslide ako [sa eleksyon]. They never knew me before. Sabi ko nga wala akong ni isang congressman, 'o ni isang gobernador [sa labas ng Davao City, hindi ako sinuportahan] and yet I won," Duterte said in his address Monday at his last flag ceremony as mayor at the Davao City Hall.

"Why? Because I was the person carrying the right message—[fighting] corruption in government, criminality," he added.

Duterte vowed to deliver his promise despite opposition. Among the immediate policies he wants implemented are a nationwide curfew for children, a stringent anti-illegal drugs campaign and a crackdown on crime.

The incoming president also did not seem threatened by rumors of an impeachment plot.

"Tutuparin ko 'yan (promises) maski sagasaan ko kahit sino. I stake my honor, my life, and the presidency itself. Even if I lose it kapag sinabi kong huminto kayo, huminto kayo," he siad.

"Impeachment? Go ahead. Walang problema sa akin. I will insist what I promised to the people," he added.

He said he was a hesitant candidate, and even let the deadline for the certificate of candidacy for president pass. But the clamor from Cebu and Manila voters eventually convinced him.

"As I was all along campaigning, nakikita ko ang crowd it's not a crowd, it's a multitude. And every time that I'm [being] introduced, they become wild not only with the applause but shouting: 'tumakbo ka na, kasi hirap na kami," Duterte said.

"Then I realized 'yung sa Luneta (miting de avance) 'nung nakita ko kasi may drone  e, so nakita ko sa monitor it was filled to the brim. Sabi ko sa isip ko, baka manalo ako," he added.

During the campaign period, Duterte repeatedly vowed to curb corruption and criminality within three to six months of his term. He will take his oath of office as the country's 16th president on Thursday.