“I am not running,” Duterte said.

It’s official: Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte will not run for president in the 2016 elections.

Duterte made the announcement past 4 p.m. on Monday at Grand Men Seng Hotel in Davao City.
Amid public clamor urging him to run for president, Duterte has repeatedly said he was not interested in seeking the top national post because of a “flawed government system,” opposition from his family, and lack of funds, among other reasons
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/719960/dutertes-final-answer-i-wont-run-for-president

Well that seems to be it.
Final answer.

It's a huge ask from Mayor to President and it would've been a very interesting campaign.
Pity really.

On the positive side we get to keep him here in Davao City for as long as we can.

Sounds like the game show Deal or No deal with all the dramatics
Yes, we did/do have it hear in the Philippines.
The guy didn't stand chance against the big boys up North and i think he finally came to his senses.

Not really - he's announced he will retire next year.

Might move to Bohol if things don't remain stable

We have plenty of family there

We are thinking to moving to Panglao, sometime in the future if things don't improve. Too much crime in Dumaguete, wife heard gunshots last week police shot an innocent bystander instead of the culprit. there's been a lot of unsolved crime, mainly drug adiks and pushers. Expats robbed for a few pesos then murdered.

Said this before - Duterte has been trailing his coat looking for financial backing. What he actually wants is someone to sponsor his run and to pay him handsomely so he has plenty to retire on.

Didn't he get that pledge from the "Run Duterte Run" caravan last weekend ?

I'm sure I read some wherwher he had plenty of backing but he felt it would never be enough.
He claims his family are not supportive and have concerns too.

He looks and sounds like his decision is final.

He is fine as mayor but President?? Whats he gonna do if he is in malacanang and his mate in Leyte phones him to say that there is a smoker in his bar??

Still not finished Jim, But If I'm looking over my shoulder all the time, then it's time to move on. Maybe rent it out, it's far to big for just a couple anyway.

It's really a great pity when you've put time, effort and money into a place only to start thinking about moving for those kinds of reasons.
I always thought Dumaguete was safe with plenty of ex-pat retirees

I can understand that view and would say anyone who feels the same would not be happy and relaxed here.

Personally, I don't having any misgivings and feel safe enough to not think too much about it.
Of course living in the city and often popping downtown, as we do, we do maintain some awareness of our environment, as you should in any city anywhere.

Our house is within a village/subdivision.
We feel safer and more relaxed than when we lived in UK. Maybe we just lived in the wrong place.
We have an outside 'dirty-kitchen' with all the usual kitchen accoutrements that stay outside.
Two mountain bikes are parked on the front driveway 24/7. even when we're on holiday for a few weeks. Can't imagine doing that were we lived in UK

Maybe we've been lulled into a false sense of security, but anyway we're completely relaxed without a care.

Yes, I know Davao City is in the devils domain but as I said if things change enough we'll move. Either somewhere within Philippines or not.

Just sharing

Dumaguete use to be safe, and yes plenty of expats but that don't change or make it safer. We are not in a sub-division but out in the barangay with a few small nipper huts with local families for our neighbors.

I'm not allowed to arm myself, only the wife. She can't handle a gun, suppose I can teach her to shoot straight. There's a rifle range not too far away. But why should we do that, Just to keep the drug pushers away.

Maybe not the 'final answer' as now Duterte says "It's not over until the fat lady sings..."

Hahaha

Run Duterte Run

Duterte feels pressure to seek presidency

From recent TV news reports and other media reports it again seems that another "final decision" may be looming for Duterte.
I'm not sure how all this drama would impact his chances if he were to declare as candidate but recently I've seen his 'colours' increasingly visible and getting tied to vitually anything standing vertically.

Looks like the cash may be starting to accumulate.


Read more here

Run Duterte Run...

I fear you may be right.
Bit like the USA
................of course

I read somewhere that he has a Billion Peso campaign contribution offer with no strings attached.
Yeah...Right!!