Duterte should think about withdrawing

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, after telling the public that he was not interested in the presidency despite the support he was getting from some sectors, finally decided to file his certificate of candidacy for president under the wings of the PDP-Laban. The reason he gave for changing his mind was that he did not want the leading contender Grace Poe, a non-Filipino citizen, to become the next president.

As we write, the latest survey has Duterte ahead of Poe in Metro Manila (Binay led the recent Pulse Asia Survey—Ed.). This might mean that the people are tired of rampant crimes and would like to see what a tough-talking man like Duterte can do to get rid of criminal elements, the way he supposedly did in Davao City, reportedly the safest place in the country.

Sounds good, but wait till you hear him speak. His talk before his supporters soon after his proclamation as the presidential candidate of the PDP-Laban was so disappointing, even disgusting to hear. His mouth freely spouted foul words, (among them, “p—– i–”) and he was doing on national TV; and he directed one at Pope Francis whom he blamed for causing traffic during the latter’s visit to the Philippines.

Worse, Duterte advocates swift “action” against criminals (killers/rapists/robbers, etc.). He warns them to leave or be killed, admitting that he would not hesitate to kill them. But who wants a leader with a killer instinct? A leader who is a womanizer and is not shy to admit it? Heaven forbid we elect such a man seemingly lacking the moral maturity to lead the country. I feel sorry for PDP-Laban for its failure to choose wisely whom to support for president.

Maybe, it is still not too late for Duterte to rethink his position and choose what his best move would be. He gave the wrong reason for changing his mind in running for president. Perhaps this time, he can choose to withdraw from the race and give the reason he once used—that he is already old and just wants to live in peace for the remaining years of his life. I believe there will he find his salvation.

—THERESA PILI-NISPEROS, Gagalangin, Tondo, Manila