Presidential candidate Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/LYN RILLON
Despite his ironclad leadership, Presidential bet Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte vowed that he would not implement martial law once elected President in May elections.
“There is no need to declare martial law. We have several laws which are not being fully implemented,” Duterte said in an ambush interview on Wednesday.
But the tough-talking mayor warned that he would be “strict and harsh” against criminals and drug syndicates.
“I just want everybody to follow the law,” he said. “But, I will be strict and harsh.”
READ: Duterte: Yes, I’m a dictator, so what?
Duterte’s candidacy is hinged on a campaign of stopping criminality, illegal drugs and corruption in government within three to six months of his administration if elected president.
He said he would use the powers of the presidency to utilize the police and the military enforcing the law against illegal drugs and criminals.
“I will not hesitate to order the police to shoot you dead,” he warned criminals who would refuse arrest or attempt a violent resistance.
READ: Lacson: Duterte can’t do it in 3-6 months
But he said he would not allow the law enforcement agencies to abuse their power.
In previous speaking engagements and interviews, Duterte said he is willing to lose his life, dignity and honor to fulfill his promise of bringing peace and order in the Philippines.
During the presidential debates in Cagayan de Oro City last February 21, Duterte said the Philippines could not move on as a nation without peace and order. CDG
READ: Duterte willing to lose life, presidency to fulfil vow vs crime, drugs, corruption
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