Duterte urges supporters to stop 'Million People March'

MANILA, Philippines – Davao City Mayor Rodrigo "Rody" Duterte on Monday called on his supporters to halt the “Million People March” scheduled September 26 to urge him to pursue his presidential bid.

“They request for me to run for president. I would like you to do me a favor this time. Pakisabi lang sa lahat huwag nilang gawin sana iyan kasi it would complicate matters. Baka sabihin ng tao atras-abante ako,” Duterte said in a press conference Monday night.

Supporters of Duterte organized the gathering dubbed “Million March: Run Duterte Run” to show their support for Duterte’s presidential bid despite his consistent pronouncement that he will not run.

The rally now dubbed as 'The People's Call for the People's President' was initially scheduled afternoon of Sept. 15, 2015 at the Quirino Grandstand, Manila but was moved 2 p.m. of Sept. 26, 2015 at the Burnham Gardens in front of Quirino Grandstand, Manila.

On the Facebook page, Rodrigo Duterte Thumbs-Up Fever 2016, would-be participants of the rally were asked to tie red and blue ribbons bonded by yellow string in cars, and bring candles for the candle lighting ceremony.

“We will all gather together to convince our beloved Mayor Duterte to be our leader...,” the Facebook invitation read.

“Be part of the change - be part of history as we urge the next president to accept the call of the people!!! #Duterte2016,” it added.

Despite the public clamor and supporters' dismay, Duterte remained consistent with his decision to not run as president.

Duterte reasoned out the lack of finances needed for the campaign and his family among his considerations for not pushing through his presidential bid.

"Ang problema sa akin, ganito. Hindi ako nanghingi ng pera. Wala akong pera; wala akong bilyon na naipon. Wala akong alkansya," Duterte said during the press conference.

He stressed that he had no ambition to take the highest post in the country.

"Wala talaga akong ambisyon mag-presidente," he added.

Last September 8, Duterte made an official announcement that he will not run for president in the 2016 elections. He added that he will retire after his term as Davao City Mayor.

Duterte said his daughter Sara Duterte will instead run for Davao City Mayor in the coming election.

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