A political adviser of Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte confirmed to the GMAÂ News that he will run for president.
“Yes,” said Lito Banayo, the political adviser of Duterte to representatives of GMA News. He however noted that there is no definite date yet to when will the feisty announce his intention to become the highest leader of the land.
On Friday, Duterte told the reporters that he will still wait for October 15, which is the filing of candidacy, to announce his decision.
Duterte earlier announced that he won’t as president because his family doesn’t want him to. However, last September 26 thousands of people showed up at the Quirino Grandstand to convince the mayor to change his mind.
Duterte then said that he will do “final soul searching“.
To who is his running mate, Banayo said the mayor has no final choice yet.
Meanwhile, Banayo enumerated the possible senatorial candidates of Duterte and they are:
- Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao
- Former senator Ping Lacson
- Sen. Sergio Osmena III
- Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno
- Former Senator Miguel Zubiri
- Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez
- Former police official and ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Samuel Pagdilao
Banayao said the names “initially agreed” during a meeting with Duterte last Wednesday night.