MANILA, Philippines - After several months of speculations, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday finally announced his decision to run for president in the May 2016 elections.

Rodrigo Duterte finally decides to run for president
IT'S NOW OFFICIAL: Duterte to run for president in 2016 elections. Photo Credit: Primy Cane/Twitter
Duterte in an interview with the press during an event in Cavite said the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) decision on Grace Poe's candidacy triggered for his will to run for the country's top position.

"What made me decide to run? Was it an offer for money? No. Gusto ko lang sabihin sa lahat stop with the Filipinos… I have nothing against Grace but if you run for the highest post in the land…it must be reserved for a true-blue Filipino,'' Duterte told the media.

WATCH: Duterte to confirms to run for president in the 2016 election


On Tuesday, the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) dumped the disqualification case filed against Poe by Rizalino David, a defeated senatorial candidate last 2013 election. (Read: Sen. Grace Poe jubilates on her victory over disqualification case.)

In an interview on TV Patrol Thursday, Duterte expressed his disappointment over the SET's decision.

"I agree with all the justices of the Supreme Court that Grace Poe is not a natural-born Filipino. But the politicians voted to sustain the theory that Poe is a natural-born Filipino," Duterte said.


Change is coming? Duterte partners with Cayetano for 2016 poll

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano who arrived with Duterte in the said event is looking for partnership with the Davao City Mayor. On his Facebook post, Cayetano said "Change is Coming! ‪#‎dutertecayetano‬ ‪#‎matapangnasolusyon‬ ‪#‎mabilisnaaksyon‬."

''Speechless. Glory to god. Simple lang naman ang choice - hindi natural-born, natural-born na mabagal, natural-born na magnanakaw, at natural-born na may malasakit at may tapang,'' Cayetano said to the press.

Diño - Duterte substitution

Duterte is expected to substitute Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) presidential bet Martin Diño who was tagged as nuissance candidate by the COMELEC.

Diño appearance during the last hour of filing of candidacy on October 16 is allegedly part of PDP's grand plan for the Davao mayor, who is also part of the ticket.

Comelec chairman Andres Bautista said they are yet to receive PDP-Laban's official nomination for Duterte. Bautista also added that substitution is not against the law.

COMELEC has until December 10 to finalize its list of candidates for the 2016 elections.

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