Duterte Says He Will Not Change His Character

PAMPANGA, Philippines-President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, September 27 said he will not change his character and could not be expected to be a “proper statesman” when it comes to issues that enrage him.

In a press conference at a shabu laboratory in Arayat, Pampanga, Duterte, known for making controversial remarks on prominent people such as Pope Francis as well as US President Barack Obama,  talked about his cursing:

PHOTO CREDIT: Inquirer

PHOTO CREDIT: Inquirer

“Do not hope I’ll change my character. I am I and you are you. If we meet in one corner and we understand each other… if not, eh ‘di pasensiya, talagang magmumura ako maski sino,” Duterte said.

Aside from discussing his controversial character, the tough-talking president also talked about a variety of topics including the United States’ apparent meddling in the Philippines’ affairs, journalists who “jump the gun” in criticizing his pronouncements, as well as the United Nations correspondents who allegedly failed to see the history and context of organized crime in the Philippines. He also took pride of his plans to enter into “trade and commerce” with Russia and China.

Amid criticisms from the United Nations, US and international human rights groups,  Duterte stressed that he will not give in to any external pressure on his war on illegal drugs.

“I will not relent on this (war in drugs) [because] this hurts the very existence of my country. Even if the US will do everything to make us, me, kneel down, I will not,” Duterte said.

Since Duterte came into power on July 1, more than 1,200 drug personalities had been killed in police operations across the country. Over 17,000 suspects have been arrested, while about 700, 000 drug users and dealers have apparently surrendered through Oplan Tokhang.

Duterte Apologizes to Espino, Pangasinan Officials for Linking them to Drugs

On Tuesday, September 27, Duterte publicly apologized to former former Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino Jr. and two other Pangasinan officials for linking them to the illegal drug trade several weeks ago.

Duterte admitted he discovered certain gaps in the information he received tagging Espino, provincial administrator Rafael Baraan and provincial board member Raul Sison.

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