MANILA, Philippines - A politician who is eyeing the presidency in the 2016 polls is willing to be a vice presidential candidate instead if Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte decides to run for resident, the local chief executive's friend and lawyer bared on Wednesday.
Lawyer Salvador Panelo said that one of the so-called "presidentiables" had approached two weeks ago and tried to persuade Duterte to run in the presidential race next year.
"May isa na gustong maging presidente, pumunta na sa kanya. Gustong mag vice sa kanya (Duterte) kung tatakbo sya," Panelo said, quoting some of Duterte's circle of friends and close associates.
"Pero ang sabi niya, 'I'm still convincing myself to run'," Panelo added.
Aside from the president-wannabe, Panelo said three influential religious groups had also approached Duterte, seeking an audience with the Davao City mayor.
Panelo, however, said Duterte is still delaying his meeting with the religious groups.
At the moment, Duterte is now going around the country, advocating the federal system of government, Panelo said.
"Two months na ginagawa 'yung tour on federalism talks. Ang speaking engagement niya ay apat eh. Daily 'yun. Lumilipad siya all over," Panelo said, noting the helicopter Duterte uses to go around was lent by religious leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
"Personally, he doesn't want to run. He feels that he is not qualified. He feels that the country doesn't need him if the present system will continue," Panelo said.