DAVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte during the 33rd anniversary of the PDP Laban, a political party keen on fielding him as presidential candidate in 2016. MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
Following his third-place ranking in the recent Pulse Asia survey of potential presidential candidates, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday said his conviction to run for president in 2016 is set at 40 percent, adding that his family has been opposing the prospect of him running for president.
The 70-year-old Duterte said his family and closest friends had expressed worries over his health and well-being if he would be elected to the top national post.
“Sasabihin ko ang totoo (I will only say the truth), I am facing a rebellion in my own backyard and that’s my family and my closest friends, and the money,” Duterte said in an interview with morning show “Umagang Kay Ganda.”
“Including my children at kababata ko na kaibigan, sila ‘yung nagsabi na ‘wag na lang. Pahinga ka na lang, matanda ka na (My children and my friends have told me not to run. They told me I should just rest because I am already old),” he added.
READ: Duterte says no to 2016 presidential bid
Duterte said he does not want to have a rift with his family and friends because of politics: “I am guarded kasi ang ano ko because I don’t want my friends and supporters maybe na minsan nagtatampo. Eh ‘yung iba gumastos na, sabi ko nga sa kanila eh I told you before I am not running (I am guarded because I don’t want my friends and supporters to feel bad (about my decision). Some of them have already spent their money, when I already told them that I wasn’t running).”
The mayor said he is still uncertain of his political plans, exploring the possibility of retirement.
“Actually ‘yung mga kaklase ko nag-retire na sa government service (my classmates have retired from government service). I’m a bit wary and I believe that there is a time for everything. I don’t know if it is the time to retire or go on to something troublesome,” he said in another interview with ABS-CBN News Channel’s Headstart.
Despite the backing of some people who wanted him to run, Duterte said he told them with conviction that he would not seek higher office in 2016.
“Actually (the ratings do not) really bother me, whether I’m at the high-end and the-low end of the list. I haven’t really decided to run for presidency,” he said.
Asked what would convince him to run for president, Duterte said he would only do so when he is already “morally bounded.”
READ: Duterte ‘eyes’ presidency in 2016 to save PH from ‘disaster’
“Well if you see things, the country is spinning down and troubles start everywhere. It could start another round of problems such as the West Philippines Sea and China, we have the unresolved problems of Mindanao, and the number one problem, crimes and criminals, including drugs,” he said.
But Duterte admitted the high voter preference for him, particularly in Mindanao, “keeps him wondering.”
“Kung may pera lang talaga ako (If only I had the money),” he said, noting that his conviction to run could still go as low as 20 percent.
“Consider me out of the loop, then maybe I could proceed with what I want to save for next year,” he added. With reports from Angeli Cantillana and Arianne Merez, INQUIRER.net trainees/IDL