Duterte denies he will run for president

MANILA, Philippines — Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte insisted he is still not running for president amid reports that he has changed his mind about retiring after the 2016 elections.

"I never said it in a very categorical way," Duterte said in Dagupan City as cited in a state news report Thursday.

Duterte said he is confident he never had an interview with the media where he expressed his presidential plans.

"Bakit magpaka-drama pa ako kung gusto kong tumakbo?" he said. "Ayaw ko. It does not appeal to me until now."

Reports that Duterte finally decided to bid for the country's top post made headlines two weeks ago, quoting him saying, "If you think I am the only one who can save this nation, look for me, if I am not there, look for me if you can."

But the mayor said his words were made tongue-in-cheek.

"Ibig sabihin, ayaw ko," Duterte clarified. - Camille Diola