Duterte reaches out to rivals: Let’s begin healing

Presidential aspirant Rodrigo Duterte cast his vote at the Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School with legions of supporters chanting his name on his way in and out of the polling precinct. DENNIS JAY SANTOS/INQUIRER MINDANAO

DAVAO CITY—“Let us be friends. Forget about the travails of elections.”

So said presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to his rivals after he cast his vote on Monday afternoon.

“I would like to reach out my hands to my opponents. Let us begin the healing now,” Duterte urged his rivals during a press conference at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.

He said his offer to unite and start healing the country is extended to all, including Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV. Trillanes has accused Duterte of series of allegations including undeclared millions in the mayor’s statement of assets, liabilities and net worh (SALN). He has vowed to continue going after Duterte whether they win or lose the elections.
READ: Trillanes vows to go after Duterte, win or lose

“If you don’t accept the goodwill, fine, then I will take it,” he said.

Duterte, who emerged as the frontrunner in pre-election surveys, said the past days of the election period have been “quite virulent” with the all the black propaganda and accusations thrown by the candidates against each other.

READ: ‘Unfollowing’ Juan dela Cruz | Respect ‘vox populi’

He said he remains “hopeful” in winning the presidency, but says he has to wait for the results.

“I ain’t there until I am there,” he said.

He said that since running for public office, he has never experienced a defeat.

“This will be my 11th election in my life, I never experienced defeat. Maybe this time, if it’s God’s will. But If I win, I’ll do my job,” he said. IDL/rga

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