In a letter addressed to “friends and fellow Dabawenyos,” Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said he will not run for president in May 2016.

“I am sorry to disappoint those who spent much and worked hard and long in support of me as I went around the espousing the benefits and advantages of federalism,” Duterte said.

The mayor also apologized and requested his followers to understand his decision stressing it’s not his ambition to become the president.

“I therefore beg for everyone’s kind understanding and acceptance of my sincerest apologies. After all, there was no ambition for me to aspire for the presidency. The country does not need me. I find no need for it too. I guess it is fate that wills that our long journey together should end this way,” he added.

During the press conference, Duterte also reiterated his plans to retire from government service in 2016 should her daughter Sarah decide to run as mayor.

“Time and again, those who believed in me, and in the cause that I advocated, and continued to advocate, advised me to go for the country’s presidency because that is the destiny that awaits me. But I believe that my destiny is to end years and years of public life in the service of Davao City and every Dabawenyos,” Duterte said.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com