Duterte not keen on running for VP, pushes for Gibo instead

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday politely declined a suggestion by Sen. Miriam Santiago to be her running mate should she run for president in 2016.

Instead, Duterte endorsed former Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. for the post.

In an interview, Duterte said he is not keen on running for any national position in 2016, GMA Davao's Julius Pacot reported Thursday.

 

"I'm really flattered, honored by the declaration of Sen. Santiago. But unfortunately I said I am not good for national office and besides, I intend to resign after this term," said the mayor, known for his no-nonsense approach especially against crime.

 

On Wednesday, Santiago said she is eyeing Duterte as a prospective running mate if she decides to join the presidential race in 2016. The feisty senator also mentioned Teodoro and Senator Grace Poe as possible running mates.

In endorsing Teodoro, Duterte described the former Cabinet official as a "man of integrity and competence" and would be a good vice president.

 

Duterte also said he has a personal debt of gratitude to Teodoro. The GMA Davao report indicated Teodoro had helped Duterte weather political challenges from the mayor's political rivals.

 

"He is a man of integrity and competence and he would make a good vice president of this republic. I know him," the mayor said of Teodoro.

In the 2010 presidential elections, Teodoro placed fourth behind then-Senator Benigno Aquino III, former President Joseph Estrada and then-Senator Manuel Villar. 

Teodoro was the standard bearer of Lakas-CMD. — Joel Locsin/RSJ, GMA News