Davao City Mayor now presumptive President

DAVAO CITY May 10, 2016 (PIA)- As of 4:00 p.m today (May 10) Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is leading the Presidential race with about 15.5 million votes leading or about 38.6% of the votes his closest rival is Manuel “Mar” Roxas III with about 9.3 million votes (23.4%). The votes tallied is about 92.77% of the total precincts in the country.

Presidential candidates Grace Poe, Jejomar Binay and Mar Roxas has conceded the presidential race to Duterte who will be the first President from Mindanao.

After casting his vote at around 3 p.m. Monday (May 9), Duterte in his presscon extended reconciliation to his fellow candidates saying that this is the time for healing.

During today's (May 10) afternoon press conference, Duterte campaign spokesperson said they will be preparing with the transition team.

Earlier Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma said that the people have spoken and their verdict is accepted and respected.

"The path of good governance or Daang Matuwid is already established as all presidential candidates spoke out against corruption, and in favor of continuing and expanding present pro-poor programs, and pursuing more initiatives to sustain the strong economy and achieve inclusive growth." Sec. Coloma said in his statement.

During the press conference after his vote casting yesterday, Duterte warned officials to stop their corrupt practices in case he will be elected to office. The Davao City Mayor rode on the platform of fighting criminality and corruption.

Duterte political career started when he was appointed by then President Corazon Aquino in 1986 as the OIC Vice Mayor of Davao City, He ran and won as the city mayor in the 1988 polls. He served as City Mayor from 1988 to 1998, then became the Representative of the First District of Davao City from 1998 to 2001.

He became the Mayor for three consecutive terms (2001-2010) then became the Vice-Mayor from 2010-2013. He ran and won the Mayoralty position from 2013-2016 before accepting the call to run for the country's top leadership.

Duterte was credited from transforming Davao City then known as a bloody laboratory of urban guerrilla warfare waged by the New Peoples Army in the 1980s into one of the country's most peaceful and progressive cities.

He is also cited for strongly implementing ordinances such as the Firecracker Ban, The No-Smoking Ordinance, The Speed Limit Law and the 1 a.m. Liquor Ban. (PIA/RG Alama)