MANILA, Philippines — Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte refuses to be Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago's running-mate in the 2016 elections.
In an interview with reporters in Davao City, Duterte said he is flattered and honored by Santiago's declaration that she wants him to be her vice president.
"Unfortunately, I said I am not good for national office. And besides, I intend to retire after this term," Duterte said.
He opted to instead ask former National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, another choice of Santiago, to run for vice president. Duterte described Teodoro as an "honest" man with "capabilities beyond issue."
"He is a man of integrity and competence and he would make a good vice president of this republic," the feisty mayor said.
Revealing that he has a debt of gratitude to Teodoro, Duterte said he will use all of his resources to help the former defense executive.
"I will support him all the way," Duterte said.
On Wednesday, Santiago revealed that Duterte, Teodoro and Sen. Grace Poe are her choices for vice president.