Duterte says PDP-Laban substitute candidate nod only ‘press release’

Vice presidential contender Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano bows to his guest, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, during the senator’s 45th birthday party on Tuesday in Taguig City. Cayetano met with Duterte in September to discuss their possible team-up but the mayor has repeatedly said he is not running. RICHARD A. REYES/INQUIRER

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday denied he had received a formal invitation from PDP-Laban to be the party’s substitute presidential candidate in next year’s elections, dismissing it as a mere “press release.”

Duterte attended the 23rd AFAD Defense and Sporting Arms show at a Mandaluyong City mall with vice presidential candidate Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.

Answering questions from the press, the feisty local chief executive said he remained firm on his stand not to run for president due to the following reasons: His age, firm opposition from his family, and that he had no money to mount a national campaign.

He also said only a “manna from heaven” could make him change his mind on running for the chief executive position.

On Oct. 27, PDP-Laban issued a resolution naming Duterte its substitute presidential candidate.

Two days later, PDP-Laban presidential bet Martin Diño withdrew his certificate of candidacy for fear of being disqualified by the Commission on Elections. He then named Duterte as his substitute. AJH/With a report from Radyo Inquirer/RC