MANILA, Philippines — Davao City Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte on Saturday heeds the clamor of his supporters and told them he will go on a “final soul searching” before coming up with a decision for 2016.
Duterte said the soul-searching time he sought will not only involve himself but also his family.
“Sa lahat sa kababayan natin, humihingi ako ng konting panahon na lang po, so I can do some final soul-searching with myself and my family. At pagkatapos, sa konting panahon na lang po, haharap ako sa bansa at sa inyong lahat. At magdedesisyon ako ng buong kalooban at mula sa puso,” Duterte said in a text message read during the “Million People March” at the Rizal Park in Manila City on Saturday.
“Pangako ko sa inyo – hinding hindi ko kayo papabayaan,” he added.
Duterte’s text message sparked hope in the minds of his supporters who continued with the rally to convince him to run even if he earlier proclaimed he is not running and called on his supporters to stop the “Million People March.”
In the text message, Duterte reiterated he had no ambitions to be the country’s president but he noted that he heard the public’s clamor.
“I hear your clamor loud and clear. I know you want an alternative to those who now present themselves with their ambition to lead the country,” Duterte said.
He stressed that leaders must “answer not interest or their personal glory” and “leaders respond to duty and moral obligation.”
Although Duterte was not present during the “Million People March," he thanked his supporters who attended the gathering through the text message he sent that was read at the Quirino Grandstand, Manila on Saturday afternoon.
The mayor also apologized that he was not present in the said event as he is in Zamboanga City to help in the search and rescue operation connected to the kidnapping incident in Samal Island’s Peal Farm Resort, Davao.
Duterte’s text message was sent 5:50 p.m., Saturday and was read by his friend Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon before an estimated 6,000 supporters.
Last September 7, Duterte made an announcement that he is officially out of the 2016 polls and he will retire. He repeatedly said his decision was final since.
The "Million People March" was originally slated September 15 but was moved to September 26, Saturday afternoon.
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