MANILA, Philippines — Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) on Monday declared Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte as its standard-bearer in the 2016 national elections.
PDP-Laban chairman Sen. Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III officially declared Duterte and Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano as the party's presidential and vice presidential candidates, respectively.
"I never expected this even in my wildest dreams," Duterte said in his proclamation speech after being proclaimed by PDP-Laban President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III in Manila.
Duterte filed his certificate of candidacy for president on Friday after repeatedly denying his intention to run for the country's top post.
FULL TEXT: Rodrigo Duterte's open letter on 2016 bid
The Davao City mayor entered the presidential race as substitute for anti-corruption advocate Martin Diño.
Diño named Duterte as his possible replacement after backing out from the presidential race a few weeks ago.
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