Philippines' Crime-Busting Mayor Claims Presidential Victory
Source: Bloomberg
Rodrigo Duterte, the tough-talking mayor in Philippines who tapped into middle class frustrations over rising crime and inefficient public services, claimed victory in the country’s presidential election.
With 87 percent of polling stations reporting, Duterte won 38.6 percent of the ballots cast in an election on Monday marred by violence and delays. His closest rival was Mar Roxas, a former government minister, who had 23 percent support.
Eager to break the establishment mold exemplified by outgoing President Benigno Aquino, voters embraced Duterte’s tough-guy approach to reduce traffic jams on Manila’s congested roads and curb crime. His support didn’t falter through a campaign that saw him make light of a rape incident, deny accusations of undeclared wealth and repeatedly back the extra-judicial killing of criminals.
Claiming victory during a local TV broadcast in which he spoke for more than two hours, Duterte emphasized the fight against crime as his top priority.
“I will be a dictator against all bad guys, evil,” he said. “I will do it even at the cost of my position or my life. I won’t stop. That’s a solemn commitment.”
Read more: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-05-09/philippines-firebrand-mayor-set-to-win-vote-with-16-point-lead
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