Duterte: I am not vindictive, but crooked execs will be punished

President Rodrigo Duterte in his first State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday vowed to uphold human rights but said this should not be used as an excuse to destroy the country. SCREENGRAB FROM RTVM

“Those who betrayed the people’s trust shall not go unpunished.”

So said President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday afternoon as he delivered his first State of the Nation Address (Sona) at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

“They will have their day in court,” Duterte said.

READ: Duterte to set up 12 hotline nos. to report corrupt officials

The President, however, said he would not be vindictive.

“We cannot move forward if we allow the past to pull us back. Finger pointing is not the way that is why I will not waste precious time dwelling on the sins of the past,” he said.

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

He said he would continue to wage war against those people making a mockery of our laws and who make life hard for Filipinos.

Duterte delivered his speech in front of the members of Congress, including former presidents of the country. IDL/rga