Will Duterte run for presidency?

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte in his political advertisement (Photo screengrab from YouTube)

MANILA – After a video of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte’s supposed political advertisement went viral online, netizens were quick to ask if the ‘brave’ and ‘compassionate’ politician is seeking higher office in the coming national elections.

“Hindi na sikreto kung paano umunlad ang Davao. Kailangan lang ng konting tapang – tapang para ituwid ang mapagsamantala, lumabag sa batas, at umaapi sa walang laban. Ang katahimikan sa Davao ay kailangan lang ng disiplina at determinasyon. Dumami ang trabaho, nakapag-aral ang mga bata, sumaya ang bawat pamilya. Pwedeng magkaganito ang buong Pilipinas. Kailangan lang ng tapang at malasakit,” Duterte said in the video.

(It’s not a secret how Davao progressed. A little courage is all that’s needed – courage to correct the abusers, breakers of the law, and oppressors of the weak. Davao’s peacefulness only needed discipline and determination. Jobs increased, kids sent to school, families overjoyed. These can also happen in the entire Philippines. All that’s needed is courage and compassion.)

Watch: Duterte, Tapang at Malasakit

The video, with the slogan “Tapang at Malasakit,” (Courage and Compassion) was uploaded in YouTube and posted on Facebook by his supporters. It garnered over 5,000 likes, 6,000 shares and 500 comments as of posting.

The video had also received a lot of positive comments.

“Parang pang campaign for president ang video. Makapanindig-balahibo at nakakaiyak sa galak,” a certain Jehan Ohiman said.

Duterte, for his part, explained that the video was actually an old campaign advertisement he used in his mayoral bid in 2013.

“But it’s an old video used when I ran for mayor again in 2013. I don’t know who uploaded the video, but I have nothing to do about it,” he explained.

The video, however, had an inconsistency reporters and supporters questioned. In the 24-second clip, Davao was proclaimed as the 9th safest city in the world which is based from a ranking only recently released. An in 2013, Davao placed 4th in the said ranking.

To this, Duterte has yet to release a statement.

In addition, the ‘brave’ and ‘compassionate’ mayor’s radio advertisements strengthened the public’s speculations.

Duterte, again, dismissed these purported political campaigns as ‘counteracts.’

“These are not for elections. Why? To counteract. Because of these allegations that I am a killer. To protect my reputation. The radio ads did not say I am running,” he firmly said.