MANILA, Philippines — Responding to calls for him to run for president, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo "Rody" Duterte said he will not change his mind in deciding to leave politics soon.
In a local television program on Sunday, Duterte said he would rather die than heed requests of the Duterte for President Movement, which started gathering signatures in support for his potential term in Malacañang.
"I'd rather retire. I would rather that I die early than become a president," Duterte said in jest.
The mayor also earlier rejected Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago's offer announced publicly that she is interested in asking him to run for the vice presidential post alongside her in 2016.
Duterte said in the Sunday talk show that he finds Malacañang undesirable and threatened to muffle the campaign to make him run.
"I really want to kill whoever started this all. It's already out of hand. I do not like Malacañan [Palace]. Medyo malamig at maraming multo," he said.
The movement was spearheaded by Manila-based private organization Center for Enterprise Advancement, which praised Duterte for his successful efforts to maintain peace and order in the southern city.
Duterte also dismissed speculations that his camp is behind the campaign to raise funds for his candidacy.
"Do not get swayed. I am not running. I don't need your money," he said.