Duterte Verbatim: Opening statement in Pangasinan debate

Presidential bet Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte at the presidential debate in Pangasinan. SCREENGRAB FROM ABS-CBN

Editor’s Note: The Inquirer catalogues in its “Duterte Says” series all the prepared statements, speeches and pronouncements of President Rodrigo Duterte made during and after the 2016 national and local elections in the Philippines. 

FINAL PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE
PHINMA, University of Pangasinan, Dagupan City | April 24, 2016

OPENING STATEMENT

May I address myself to the nation, to the Filipino people and to the Pangasinense: Magandang hapon po sa inyong lahat (Good afternoon to all of you).

We are nearing the end game in a few days. We have stated our programs here not clear, but sometimes very clear. I am presenting myself as a candidate for the presidency. You have seen me in public, how I behave and you have heard my blunders of words … And, you know, we have have our faults. I have many in my life. But one thing I can assure you, as I have done before and which I am up to, I said, if you just listen to my epithets, my curses and my–you know, bad words–look at my back, for you’ll see there the Filipino on bended knees, hungry and very mad at this country for doing nothing.

I would like to correct certain injustices in this government. But I can assure you that it will be a clean government and you will have a peaceful country and, of course, I said drugs, which is my main target, I hope to suppress them to the end.

All that I can say is I have many plans. I can even copy the plans of my good friends here, Grace (Poe) and Ma’am Miriam (Defensor Santiago). For after all, it is a product of intellect which I can use. Sanay naman akong mangopya (I’m used to copying). Grade 1, nagkokopya na po ako (I’ve already been copying).

Maraming salamat po (Thank you very much).

READ: Complete transcript of final presidential debate in Dagupan, Pangasinan