MANILA, Philippines - Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued his final statement on Monday, October 12 saying he will not run for president in the 2016 elections.
Duterte emphasized in a letter addressed to “friends and fellow Dabawenyos that he has no ambition of seeking the highest position in the country.
"The country does not need me. I find no need for it too. I guess it is fate that wills that our long journey together should end this way," Duterte said.
The final declaration is in time for the first day of filing of the candidacy (CoC) for next year's polls and to end up the speculations of the public and supporters over his political plans for 2016.
Duterte said a "major factor" in his decision not to run for president was his daughter, Inday Sara, who he said is not in favor of him joining the presidential race.
Duterte also said that he may run for re-election if Inday Sara will not run for mayor of Davao City.
Here's Mayor Duterte's full statement/ open letter:
My friends and fellow Dabawenyos:
I am sorry to disappoint those who spent much and worked hard and long in support of me as I went around the espousing the benefits and advantages of federalism. I therefore beg for everyone’s kind understanding and acceptance of my sincerest apologies. After all, there was no ambition for me to aspire for the presidency. The country does not need me. I find no need for it too. I guess it is fate that wills that our long journey together should end this way.
Time and again, those who believed in me, and in the cause that I advocated, and continued to advocate, advised me to go for the country’s presidency because that is the destiny that awaits me. But I believe that my destiny is to end years and years of public life in the service of Davao City and every Dabawenyos.
Thus, if Inday Sara agrees to run for Mayor, I will retire at end of my term in 2016. If she does not, the option to be Mayor again is on the table.
When all is said in the wake of this decision, perhaps we can find comfort in the thought that this is indeed a beautiful day to end a wild dream.
God bless the Philippines. God bless us all!
Very sincerely,
Rodrigo Roa Duterte
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| Rodrigo Duterte makes final statement on 2016 political plans | Photo Credit: ABS-CBN News |
Duterte emphasized in a letter addressed to “friends and fellow Dabawenyos that he has no ambition of seeking the highest position in the country.
"The country does not need me. I find no need for it too. I guess it is fate that wills that our long journey together should end this way," Duterte said.
The final declaration is in time for the first day of filing of the candidacy (CoC) for next year's polls and to end up the speculations of the public and supporters over his political plans for 2016.
Duterte said a "major factor" in his decision not to run for president was his daughter, Inday Sara, who he said is not in favor of him joining the presidential race.
Duterte also said that he may run for re-election if Inday Sara will not run for mayor of Davao City.
Here's Mayor Duterte's full statement/ open letter:
My friends and fellow Dabawenyos:
I am sorry to disappoint those who spent much and worked hard and long in support of me as I went around the espousing the benefits and advantages of federalism. I therefore beg for everyone’s kind understanding and acceptance of my sincerest apologies. After all, there was no ambition for me to aspire for the presidency. The country does not need me. I find no need for it too. I guess it is fate that wills that our long journey together should end this way.
Time and again, those who believed in me, and in the cause that I advocated, and continued to advocate, advised me to go for the country’s presidency because that is the destiny that awaits me. But I believe that my destiny is to end years and years of public life in the service of Davao City and every Dabawenyos.
Thus, if Inday Sara agrees to run for Mayor, I will retire at end of my term in 2016. If she does not, the option to be Mayor again is on the table.
When all is said in the wake of this decision, perhaps we can find comfort in the thought that this is indeed a beautiful day to end a wild dream.
God bless the Philippines. God bless us all!
Very sincerely,
Rodrigo Roa Duterte
NOW: @dwiz882 Duterte will no longer seek presidential bid, if this letter is true. pic.twitter.com/jGs6RC17qG
— Alex Santos (@iamalexsantos) October 12, 2015
