Duterte threatens to disclose PCIJ’s ‘money’ links

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to disclose “in the coming days” how money has supposedly influenced the reports of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ).

In a speech at the campaign rally of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan in Bukidnon on Saturday, the President hit back at PCIJ for its investigative report questioning the sharp growth in his wealth and those of his children during their years in public office.

Big spike in wealth

“Here in the Philippines, you don’t have investigative journalism. That PCIJ [report] — don’t believe that. It’s all about money. I will show you in the coming days. Because without money, how will they live?” the President said.

In its report early this month, PCIJ noted a big spike in the wealth of the President; his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte; and son Paolo Duterte, the former vice mayor.

The report was based on the statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) the Dutertes filed while in public office.

But the President said some journalists were being paid to write stories “to attack political figures to serve their clients.”

“Don’t tell me, they only make a living writing, that they’re only being paid as writers. They can’t live on that. They also get money from their clients to attack. AC-DC. They’re paid, they attack, don’t ever think they are clean,” he said. —Mart Sambalud, Inquirer Mindanao