Supporters rejoice over Duterte's decision to run for president

MANILA, Philippines – After Davao City Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte said he is running for presidency in 2016, supporters of the mayor rejoiced online over the news.

Having their hope renewed, the supporters said  they are thankful as they have been waiting for his decision all along.

Sa hinaba-haba man ng prosisyun sa halalan din ang tuloy! #Duterte2016

— Mikoy (@PorkandBeans28) November 22, 2015

Dear Mayor Duterte, Thank you for finally deciding to run for the presidency. You are indeed the hope of this country. #Duterte2016

— Khadija bint Ali (@KhadijaBintAli_) November 22, 2015

Nakakaiyak sa galak at tuwa ang balitang ito!..napapaginipan ko po si Mayor kagabi..Lord guide him!.. #Duterte2016

— Alma Manlunas (@ghing123) November 22, 2015

I cannot contain my happiness #Duterte2016

— Hanzel Manankil (@hahahanzel) November 22, 2015

What a good news to start my morning #Duterte2016

— Missy (@camilleneps) November 22, 2015

While Duterte’s supporters were glad of his pronouncement, some doubted his decision as he reasoned out presidential candidate Grace Poe as the reason why he changed his mind on running for president.

Duterte said he is running for president since he is disappointed and sad of the Senate Electoral Tribunal’s ruling to dismiss Poe’s disqualification case. He believes Poe is not a natural born Filipino citizen.

The decision worried some netizens as Duterte did not heed his supporters’ call to run for president and yet he is now running to denounce Poe’s presidency. Some also doubt it as another “false hope.”

The problem with #Duterte2016 is the fact that at one point in his life, a few months ago, he chose to ignore the please of his countrymen

— Eric James (@dealwitheric) November 22, 2015

Doubting Duterte. Instead of running to serve, he runs to prevent another, a voted senator, from holding the post. #Duterte2016

— john cris fabi (@fabijohncris) November 22, 2015

Oh please! Duterte! Run for presidency not because you're afraid that Grace Poe might win but because you are so qualified. #Duterte2016

— Mark Anthony D. (@markisaur) November 22, 2015

another paasa ba? #Duterte2016

— N E V E R M I N D (@xastrophilex) November 22, 2015

Others defended Duterte’s decision claiming that the mayor never announced he is running. His supporters said with his decision, a “big change is coming.”

#Duterte2016 pic.twitter.com/a2VWcNewW5

— (@justshvtup) November 22, 2015

Big change is coming to town all criminals pack your bags and go planet Mars. Ahaha #Duterte2016

— MAIDEN SARANGANI (@vanessakim101) November 22, 2015

ito ang gusto kong maging Pangulo na bansa.. matapat,maawain sa mga inaapi, gago sa mga abusadong tao #Duterte2016

— VaCaNtSlOt (@boxnear) November 22, 2015

Some netizens even urged presidential candidate Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago to back out of the presidential race as Duterte’s presidential bid will divide votes. The netizens were torn on siding between Duterte and Santiago.

Madam miriam please back out na. Mahahati votes baka binay pa manalo award! #Duterte2016

— ALFIE (@_alfierce) November 22, 2015

i'm really worried for the 2016 elections. with #Duterte2016 running for president, 'smart' voters will be divided between him and miriam

— Niko (@nikojorda) November 22, 2015

Dapat moatras si Santiago para kay Duterte. Para sure win na si Duterte! #Duterte2016

— J-jay (@JjayRoxas) November 22, 2015

The hashtag "Duterte 2016" trended on Twitter after reports surfaced that he the mayor decided to run for president. Currently, the hashtag is the second top trending topic in the Philippines.

Duterte said his presidency is now on the table.