Duterte: I can say what I want to say

MANILA, Philippines—”As mayor and as President, I can say what I want to say.”

President Rodrigo Duterte stressed the said message Thursday as he again defended his chilling warnings against criminals, drug suspects and terrorists.

“Pag sinabi kong papatayin kita, it could be a truism or tinatakot ko ang lahat para mag tiptoe,” (If I say I will kill you, it might be a truism or I may just be scaring everyone),” Duterte said during the 31st Annual Convention of the Prosecutors’ League of the Philippines in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

The President, who is known for his tough stance against crime and illegal drugs, explained that he was just discouraging culprits to stop their wrongdoings when he issues death warnings.

“Pag sinabi kong papatayin kita, it might be a deterrent. Coming from the mouth of a mayor or a President baka matakot kita. Eh kung patayin nalang kita wala akong sabihin (If I say I will kill you, it might be a deterrent. I may intimidate or scare you. What if I just kill you without saying anything?),” he said.

Duterte also stressed that there’s nothing wrong with his threats, considering the country’s problem with criminality, rebellion and drugs.

“What is wrong with my statement? I am the President. There’s the Abu Sayyaf, there’s the ISIS. There’s a rampaging drug problem. What is wrong when I say, do not destroy my country because I will kill you?” he said.

“Tell me what is wrong with that. Sinong Presidente ang hindi pwedeng makasabi ng ganun, taken in the context of what is happening in our country today?” he added. / gsg