The man expected to become the Philippines' next president has vowed to bring change to the country's system of government.
Rodrigo Duterte, who is also known as 'the punisher', has declared victory in the presidential election ahead of official results due to be released later this month.
He came into the presidential race as an outsider.
Rodrigo Duterte -- the tough-talking mayor, and former lawyer and prosecutor from the southern city of Davao.
Now, he is set to run the country, after declaring victory on the back of unofficial results showing he had secured the most votes.
The 71-year-old offered this message to the more than 60 per cent of voters who did not support him.
"I'd like to reach my hand to my opponents. Let's begin the healing now."
His main rival, Mar Roxas had the support of the ruling party, but not enough of the voters.
He, like at least two other contenders before him, has conceded defeat.
"Rodrigo, I wish you success. Your victory is the victory of our people and our nation."
Rodrigo Duterte says he's determined to bring about change.
The first item on his list is an expected re-write of the constitution aimed at introducing a parliamentary system of government, which he hopes will empower the provinces.
Mr Duterte says if he cannot get the support of Congress to pass the legislation, he will do it by force.
But in other areas, he's apparently softened, suggesting that Australia should participate in regional security talks - just weeks after threatening to cut diplomatic ties.
Political Analyst at the University of Sydney, Dr Aim Sinpeng, says Mr Duterte is likely to adopt a more diplomatic stance when he is officially declared president.
"Throughout his election campaign he paid very little attention to foreign policy. So we will likely see a more moderate, softer version of Duterte overseas. But he will maintain his tough guy, tough talking personality at home."
Meanwhile, world champion boxer Manny Pacquiao has won a seat in the national Senate.
Comments he made last year comparing gay people to animals sparked disapproval, but apparently haven't affected his political ambitions.
Joining him in parliament is Geraldine Roman -- the nation's first transgender politician.
Dr Sinpeng sees the latter as a major breakthrough in a nation where religion is deeply embedded in politics.
"The outlook of the Philippines I believe has been much more conservative than the actual people living there themselves. So the victory of a transgender candidate actually shows that the Filipino electorates are catching up with the realities."
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