Duterte starts process for national unity: aide

Aaron Lozada, ABS-CBN News

MANILA - Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who is leading in the partial, unofficial count for the presidency, has started the "healing process" for national unity, according to his executive assistant, Bong Go.

In an interview with DZMM, Go said Duterte wants the nation to stay united following a divisive general elections.

"Actually po, si Mayor Duterte ay ine-extend n’ya ‘yung kanyang.. mga about 6 p.m. pa lang po, inuumpisahan na po n'ya yung kanyang healing process. Gusto n'yang magkaisa na tayong lahat. Kung anuman ang magiging outcome ng election, s’ya na po ang nauna," he said.

Go also said that the tough-talking mayor has committed to support the legislative agenda of Senator Grace Poe, who conceded to Duterte minutes earlier.

READ: Poe accepts defeat: We did our best

"Kanina po, tumawag si Senator Grace kay mayor at sinabi naman ni mayor kay Sen. Grace kung meron kang mga legislation na gagawin, at sabi ni mayor na susuporta s'ya para po ito sa ikakabuti ng bansa," Go said.

Go said Poe's running mate, Senator Chiz Escudero, also called Duterte to congratulate him.

During the interview, Duterte was having a late dinner with spiritual leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, according to Go.

READ: Pastor Quiboloy: Duterte presidency foretold in prophecy