Mayor Duterte listens to Senator Cayetano during the 23rd AFAD Defense and Sporting Arms Show at SM Megamall. (INQUIRER PHOTO)
DAVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte yesterday denied he had received a formal invitation from PDP-Laban to be the party’s substitute presidential candidate in next year’s elections, dismissing it as a “press release.”
Duterte attended the 23rd AFAD Defense and Sporting Arms show at a Mandaluyong City mall with vice presidential candidate Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.
Answering questions from the press, the feisty local chief executive said he remained firm on his stand not to run for president due to the following reasons: His age, firm opposition from his family, and that he had no money to mount a national campaign.
On Oct. 27, PDP-Laban issued a resolution naming Duterte its substitute presidential candidate.
Two days later, PDP-Laban presidential bet Martin Diño withdrew his certificate of candidacy for fear of being disqualified by the Commission on Elections. He then named Duterte as his substitute.