IF FILIPINOS have no other choice left to vote for president, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said Sunday, May 31, that he might be compelled to run in 2016.
Duterte said voters had to initially choose among the aspirants before considering him.
"I'd like that the line of contenders expanded. Lacson may be urged to run, Trillanes, Chiz Escudero. Kasi ngayon, medyo kulang up to this time, and Binay. I want a wider choice for the people," he said.
"Pero kung wala na kayong mapili at the end of the day, eh di tawagin niyo na lang ako and let us talk about the presidency (But if you have nothing else to choose from, call me and let us talk about the presidency)," Duterte said.
He also encouraged voters not to believe in survey results.
"Rating is a poor measure ng kung sino na lang. Mas marami pa naman tayong problema kay sa diyan," he said.
He disowned the television advertisements shown nationwide, but admitted that he has knowledge on who released it.
He said the video was produced by a Chinese community from Manila.
"Sabi nila sa akin, pagbigyan mo na lang kami. It will make you stronger as a political person. Tama nga naman sila," he said.
Should Duterte decides to run, he said he is confident that the Chinese and Muslim community will support him.
"I am not presumptuous. Ang Chinese community all over the Philippines, Duterte yan. They are sick and tired of being kidnapped and killed. Kidnap na, magbayad pa," he said.
"Kadaghanan pud sa (Majority of the) Muslim Community, Duterte yan," he added.
But in several gatherings before all these started, he already said that the real battle is in the buying of votes, and this is where he cannot compete.
People of Cotabato City recently launched "Piso para sa Presidente" during a youth symposium on federalism held at Cotabato Polytechnic State University.
During the forum, Duterte told the crowd: "I am fully supporting BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law) but we have to look at some provisions in the props but if BBL fails, I will come back to elaborate more what federalism is all about."
When he was about to leave, the organizer asked him to stay to read their manifesto of support to federalism, addressing him "Mayor, President Rody Duterte."
Duterte visited several cities and municipalities for his advocacy on federalism.