Duterte: I might run for president if I beat VP Binay in surveys

Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

While enjoying a surge in popularity among voters, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said that he might run for president in the 2016 elections if he beats presidential front-runner Vice President Jejomar Binay in the ratings game.

In a symposium on Federalism held in Taytay, Rizal, Saturday night, Duterte said that beating Binay’s ratings with a huge margin could push him to run for president.

“Ilan ba ang score ni Binay ngayon? 32? Kung mag-82 ako, tatakbo ako (What is the score of Binay today? 32? If I will get 82 (in the surveys), I will run),” Duterte joked.

He also denied that an ad which aired on national television this week came from his camp.

“Hindi akin ‘yan, kasi hindi ako [expletive] na magpadrama-drama pa (That ad did not come from me because I am not into that kind of drama),” the mayor said.

According to the latest SWS presidential survey results, Binay remained the front-runner with 36 percentage points while Duterte tied with Interior Secretary Mar Roxas in third place with 15 percentage points.

READ: Grace Poe closes in on Jojo Binay in latest SWS presidential poll

On Sunday, Duterte said that if he will be elected as president, he will consider implementing a “revolutionary government.” He also reiterated that the presidency is “God’s destiny.”

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