MANILA, Philippines — Presidential aspirant Davao City Mayor Rodrigo "Rody" Duterte on Monday met with the leaders of Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) and was able to discuss his platform of government.
Duterte's ally, Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles said, the meeting lasted for more than two hours. Duterte addressed questions and issues spelled out his plans for the country once elected.
"It was a free-for-all discussion; many questions were thrown and answered," Nograles said.
"Mayor Rody openly engaged members of the NPC so much so that we all forgot to eat, and if someone hadn't reminded us that our dinner was getting cold, I felt we could've lasted for two more hours," he added.
Nograles said among the political agenda of Duterte is his plan to eradicate illegal drugs and crush crime within three to six months upon assumption of the presidential seat. He will also champion an anti-corruption campaign and eliminate red tape in the bureaucracy.
The solon added that Duterte also extensively discussed the concerns of Mindanao particularly of the Moro people while renewing his call for a federal system of government.
The mayor also discussed terrorism, the disputed Spratlys Islands, his solutions for the agricultural sector, irrigation, manufacturing, the energy sector, among others.
"I would like to thank NPC for meeting with Mayor Rody Duterte and allowing him the chance to elaborate on his platform of government," Nograles said.
"Whatever the outcome of the NPC's vetting process I am glad that they all got to meet Mayor Duterte in person to deepen their insight on the man who could become the next president," he added.
The NPC is the second largest political party in the country. It has yet to announce presidential and vice presidential candidates it will support in 2016 polls.