On challenge to his candidacy: I will abide by Comelec ruling - Duterte

DAVAO CITY — Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said yesterday he would abide by the Commission on Elections ruling on a petition seeking to nullify his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for president.

In the petition, Ruben Castor questioned Duterte’s substitution for Martin Diño, who filed a COC for mayor rather than as standard bearer of the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban (PDP-Laban).

Duterte on Friday withdrew his bid to seek reelection as mayor of Davao City and filed his COC for president.

“So be it. Whatever would be the decision of the Comelec, I will follow it without question. I would not have any problem with that,” he said.

In his COC, Duterte indicated he was nominated by the PDP-Laban as presidential candidate, replacing Diño. Castor pointed out that Duterte is not substituting for anyone since Diño filed a COC for mayor and not for president.

He said Duterte’s candidacy for president was practically “null and void.” Duterte said should the Comelec decide to disqualify him it would not be a big deal for him.

“I won’t die if I don’t become president,” he said. For its part, Malacañang said it would be up to the people to determine the right candidates to vote for in the 2016 elections as Duterte has decided to join the presidential race.

When asked about Duterte’s qualifications, Pre-sidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said like all other candidates, the mayor’s “worthiness for higher public office would be assessed by the voters on the basis of his track record and personal qualities.”

Coloma refused to comment on why Metro Manila residents preferred Duterte to become the next president based on the recent Pulse Asia survey.

“We should take note that beyond periodic surveys, it is the voters’ decision on election day that will matter most,” Coloma said.

He said public opinion polls serve to heighten people’s interest in the electoral process.

Coloma encouraged the public to broaden their participation by learning more about the platforms of candidates and assessing their records in public service.

The Palace is leaving it up to the Comelec to decide whether Duterte can run for president despite issues on his substitution.

Cayetano: I’m Rody’s VP

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has expressed confidence that he will be Duterte’s running mate in 2016.

“Without a doubt I am his vice presidential candidate. I believe he will endorse me as his running mate,” Cayetano told The STAR.

He said Duterte had repeatedly told him that he would be the mayor’s vice presidential bet.

“When he said that he is committed to someone, I believe he will stand by his word,” Cayetano said. Cayetano arrived in Davao City on Friday for a series of engagements, which he attended together with Duterte. — Philippine STAR News Service