ANO BA TALAGA KUYA? IF I WILL BE PRESIDENT TEASER FLOATED BY RODY IN BUTUAN CITY By: Erwin Mascarinas, InterAksyon January 23, 2015 9:25 AM BUTUAN CITY, Philippines -- Although he has persistently shrugged off suggestions to seek the highest office in the land, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte floated the possibility twice on Thursday at a forum on federalism, the system of government he is campaigning for, in Butuan City. Former North Cotabato governor EmManuel Pinol, a staunch Duterte supporter, claimed it was the first time the Davao mayor talked openly of the possibility of a presidential run. Some quarters have been urging Duterte to run for president and replicate what they say is his sterling record in restoring peace and order to Davao City. However, others have questioned that record, saying it was earned with scores of extrajudicial killings by the shadowy “Davao Death Squad.” At one point last year, apparently to dissuade more calls for him to run for president, Duterte joking threatened to “shoot” those urging him on. Recently, the mayor has become increasingly outspoken about wanting to change the system of government to a federal form, which proponents say would give often neglected regions and provinces more autonomy in the use of resources and their development. The Butuan forum, said Pinol, is the first in countrywide tour by Duterte to push his advocacy. “What I’m sharing with you is my vision for the country; I’m not sharing with you my ambition. But sometimes it’s just hard to control since a lot had been asking and those who really believe in me so right now are pushing. I’m just listening, I will go around all over the country and start a listening tour,” Duterte said. And while insisting he has not yet made up his mind, he said: “If I will become the president and sit there in Malacanang for six years, did my best and would not corrupt or steal money from the people and leave after six years with the same system of government? I’m not that ambitious nor do I love to boast but if I will be president, after my term is over I will have federalism as the new form of government.” He added that any decision he eventually makes would be “God’s will.” “Maybe, maybe I will get there but initially I try to say no because I’m not really interested. But the more I listen to the pain and suffering of the people, well I still need the sign from God,” he said. And then, he added: “If ever I will become the president, I will not sit there without any change. (The) first task is to put an end to corruption.” Detailing how he would accomplish the task, Duterte hinted of strong arm tactics. He said he would first ask corrupt officials to resign. “If they won’t resign, then I will have them arrested. If you don’t trust me as a dictator in the presidency then that’s your problem,” he said. Pinol tried to downplay Duterte’s comments as a hint that the mayor is inclined to heed the calls to go for the presidency. “Actually, the mayor did not say he would run, he only said, ‘if I were to become the president.’ Honestly, until today I have not received a clear commitment from him,” he said. But, he added, “at least today he (Duterte) has agreed to be open to suggestion and not to close the door to the call of the people convincing him to run.” Pinol said Duterte’s federalism campaign would take him to key cities in the country over the next two months. After Butuan, they were headed for Zamboanga and Pagadian cities.
Posted on: Fri, 23 Jan 2015 02:51:23 +0000
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