Duterte says he is ‘waiting for signs from God’; vows ‘swift reforms’ if elected

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. Photo courtesy of Shem Longakit and Davao City by Battad

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has expressed that he’s “waiting for signs from God to make the final decision” regarding the possibility of running for the presidency in 2016.

“This kind of decision is all God’s will.

I will leave it to destiny, it’s up to God where he will put me,” Duterte said.

“I tried to say no because I’m not really interested [to run in the presidential race]. But the more I listen to the pain and sufferings of the people, well, I need a sign from God,” he added.

Meanwhile, he has been on a “listening tour,” traveling throughout Mindanao to turn an ear toward the voices of the people, in order to help him decide on whether or not to run for the highest seat of the land.

Aside from tuning in to the heartbeat of the people, Duterte has also been speaking about a shift to federalism and stronger anti-corruption measures, vowing “swift and immediate reforms” should he become president in 2016.

“If ever I will become the president, I will not sit there without any changes. The first task is to put an end to corruption. I will ask them [corrupt officials] to resign from the government. 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,” Duterte said.

He spoke to residents of Butuan City on Thursday, at forum to promote federalism as an alternative system of government.