Why Digong won't monitor national canvassing

ABS-CBN News

Presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he will not go to Congress to monitor the canvassing of votes for the presidential and vice-presidential races.

"I would not want to interfere. That's the reason why I never showed up. I will not be there in any stage of the counting or canvassing. I will go there maybe much, much later," he said in a press conference in Davao City.

He also said lawmakers who are seeking an alliance with his political party should do it for the good of the country.

"You do not do it just because I am high. You do it for your department so we can work together to come up with a government to satisfy the people. It's as simple as that -- hindi sa may utang ako doon."

"You are there because you have to work. What would make you comfortable in doing your work, do it. I will do mine."

Some 180 congressmen out of the total 290 members of the House of Representatives have reportedly declared support for Duterte, and his preferred candidate for House Speaker, Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez.

ABS-CBN News, May 26, 2016