MANILA, Philippines – Davao City Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte on Monday officially declared he is not running for president in the 2016 elections.
In his anticipated “big announcement” on Monday afternoon, Duterte said he is not running for the highest government post in the general elections next year.
"Hindi ako tatakbo sa pagkapresidente. I'm sorry," he said.
Last May, Duterte was rumored to run for president following a leaked campaign ad video which eventually aired on national television.
To date, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas II and Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay were the only presidential candidates who have announced their bids under the Liberal Party and United Nationalist Alliance, respectively.
Duterte made the announcement at Grand Hotel Menseng, Davao City.