In absence of choice, Duterte says he’s it

CLARK FREEPORT—While Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly denied that he would run for President next year, he told his audience here on Monday that he is better than other potential candidates.

Duterte, mayor for 22 years in what he described to be the fourth most peaceful city in the world, revealed as much in a forum after most of the 500 participants, coaxed by a man, raised their hands to show support for his presidential run.

A smiling Duterte, with his left hand massaging his cheek, shot back: “Just listen to developments. Just look at the direction of Manila. Mar (Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II) is good, [Vice President Jejomar] Binay is good, [Sen.] Grace [Poe] is good, [Sen. Alan Peter] Cayetano is good, [Sen. Francis] Escudero is good.”

Just as the audience at Mimosa convention center hushed, he said: “If you fail to find anyone, blank, glance at Mindanao. If you see me there, I’m very good.” The crowd burst into applause. Tonette Orejas, Inquirer Central Luzon