Duterte opens debates by vowing to expel criminality, corruption

CAGAYAN DE ORO — Presidential bet Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte vowed to get rid of criminality, illegal drugs and corruption in government if he wins the presidency during the May elections.

“I propose to get rid of drugs, criminality and corruption in government,” Duterte said in his opening speech at the presidential debates here on Sunday.

He promised to solve criminality and illegal drugs during the first three to six months of his term if elected president.

Duterte said that aside from him, only his rival Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago is qualified to run for president in 2016.

READ: Duterte admits Santiago his greatest rival in 1st presidential debate
“It’s good that Miriam is here. She is one of the two only candidates qualified to run for president,” he said.

Duterte earlier described Santiago as “bright.”