Duterte: Don’t expect me to prosecute Aquino, Binay

Speaking in front of the members of the press at the Matina Enclaves, Davao City, presumptive president-elect Rodrigo Duterte bares his programs and policies that primarily focus on peace and order and on efficient government service. PHOTO BY BARRY OHAYLAN/CONTRIBUTOR

PRESUMPTIVE President-elect Rodrigo Duterte is not inclined to file charges against outgoing President Benigno Aquino III and Vice President Jejomar Binay.

“Maybe when I sit as President, I am not going to prosecute. I am not up to it actually, going after political enemies,” Duterte said in an interview with GMA News.

But he stressed that it is the job of the Office of the Ombudsman to go after government officials with criminal liabilities.

The tough-talking mayor earlier said he would be a healing president, adding he won’t be vindictive.

Right after he cast his vote on May 9, Duterte urged his rivals to “forget about the travails of the election.”

“I would like to reach out my hands to my opponents. Let us begin the healing now,” Duterte said.

Asked if he would rather be loved or feared, the 71-year old local executive said he doesn’t care whoever hates him.

“I really do not care who hates me. I have been in politics for 22 years, and I’ve learned to accept garbage and divine light from others,” he said.

“I would just like to be a working president,” he added.

He said criticisms are part of being a government official.

“‘Yung criticisms, good or bad, true or not, [are] part of the territory of governance. I may disagree with what you say but I will defend your right to say it. We are in a democracy,” he said.

Asked about his habit of spewing cuss words and projecting himself as a tough opponent during the campaign period, he said all those acts were part of his “political strategy.”

He, however, did not elaborate on this, saying “someday I will explain.”