Rodrigo Duterte Wins Philippine Presidential Election
MEP: Democratic mayor Rodrigo Duterte has won the Philippine presidential elections, following the withdrawal of his opponents, according to a poll monitor.
Duterte, the longtime mayor of the southern city of Davao, hypnotized millions with his vows of brutal but quick solutions to the nation’s twin plagues of crime and poverty, which many believed had worsened despite strong economic growth in recent years.
The 71-year-old Duterte has promised a persistent crackdown on crime and the overhaul of the country’s constitution.
He has endorsed his success to his tough stance on law and order.
With 88 percent of the vote counted early on Tuesday morning, Duterte had an insurmountable lead of 5.84 million votes over his nearest rival, administration candidate Mar Roxas, according to the data.
Duterte, who has pledged to kill tens of thousands of criminals and joked about raping an Australian missionary, said he would “behave” as president. “Grant me this little [time] to banter with you Filipinos.”
Duterte’s main rivals – the ruling party candidate Mar Roxas and Senator Grace Poe – both conceded defeat after polls showed the mayor heading for a resounding victory.
Duterte said he accepted the mandate with “extreme humility”.
“What I can promise you is that I will do my very best not just in my waking hours but even in my sleep.”
Duterte had 38.6 percent of the vote, with Roxas on 23.12 percent and Senator Grace Poe in third with 21.76 percent, according to PPCRV.
In the Philippines, a winner is decided simply by whomever gets the most votes.
