Rodrigo 'Digong' Duterte wins presidential elections in Philippines

Maverick anti-crime candidate Rodrigo 'Digong' Duterte has won the Philippines presidential elections after his opponents withdrew from the contest

 

Maverick anti-crime candidate has won the Philippines presidential elections after his opponents withdrew from the contest.

The official PPCRV poll monitor said the mayor of the southern city of Davao had more than 14.8m votes, about 39 percent, with 90 percent of ballots counted.

Although the official result has not yet been declared, main rival Mar Roxas admitted defeat after the polls, reports Daily Star.

Duterte, who has been the long-time front-runner in a campaign driven by economy and corruption, said that he accepted the mandate with 'extreme humility'.

President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino is standing down as the Constitution limits presidents to one six-year term. Filipinos are also picking a vice-president and local officials.

The 71-year-old stirred controversy during campaigning with his incendiary comments.

He has credited his success to his tough stance on law and order.

His record as the crime-crushing mayor of the southern town of Davao, once notorious for its lawlessness, earned him the moniker 'The Punisher' and resonated with voters.

The election campaign has also focused on reforming the economy, infrastructure and on the territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.

Duterte has suggested he will disregard democratic checks and balances if they get in the way of fixing the country's problems.