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The reports came after Senate President Manny Villar declared that Duterte's grasp of current events and national issues qualifies him to the top defense portfolio.
Villar said this grasp would enable him to formulate the right ideas and vision in addressing security problems.
During the ASEAN Summit held in Cebu recently President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo praised the mayor for the commendable peace and order situation in Davao.
Arroyo added Davao City could serve as a model of good governance which other countries could emulate.
Mayor Duterte is serving as Presidential adviser on national security. He was a city prosecutor until EDSA 1986 when he was appointed OIC vice mayor in lieu of his mother, Soledad. In 1988, he ran for and won the mayoralty over OIC Mayor Zafiro Respicio and completed three terms until 1998. He then ran for and won in the first congressional district but by 2001, Duterte returned to the city to run for mayor. He is now on his second term and is running for a third.
Meanwhile, Duterte confirmed on Sunday that the Philippine Tourism Authority turned over the management of Magsaysay Park to the city government on Dec. 31, 2006.
The mayor said the park would be transformed into an international tourist spot complete with a skating rink and other facilities for leisure and relaxation.
He assured the place would no longer be disturbed by drinking sprees, smoking and noise coming from videoke machines. (Vince Perez/MindaNews contributor)
