“No apologies, no nothing,” Duterte told reporters at a press conference on Thursday, June 3, 2016.
(UNTV News/Photoville International – Cerilo Ebrano)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — President-elect Rodrigo Duterte faced the media once again Thursday night to clarify his earlier statement regarding the issue of media killings and corruption.
According to Duterte, he sees three types of journalist in the country.
The first type are the “crusaders,” who do not accept bribes because they value exposing the truth above all.
The second type are those who write for the interest of an institution such as the work of a press relations officer.
The third type are the “low life” journalists who extort and accept bribes.
“These are the guys whose greed is unlimited. So they are paid now, they ask for more. If there’s nothing coming their way, they talk more. They destroy people and families and they die, “explained Duterte.
However, the president-elect cleared that not all journalists who are killed are corrupt, contrary to reports that have come out.
“In journalism, you speak the truth firmly; then you invite danger,” he said.
Duterte also expressed dismay over the policies of some media organization during the last election; referring in particular to the unfair airing of anti-Duterte ads by a popular TV network.
The ads were purportedly paid by Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV who hounded Duterte with allegations of corruption during the campaign period.
When Duterte’s camp asked one of the TV executives about the offensive ad, the supposed response was, “ Negosyo kasi ito.” (It’s just business.)
This prompted the Davao mayor to observe, “So, you deal in a business that destroys honor.”
In the midst of all these issues, Duterte says he sees no reason to apologize for anything he has said.
“I’m saying these without excuses, no apologies, no nothing. You like to hear, it fine. If you don’t, so be it. That’s the truth, huwag tayong magbolahan, alam ninyo yan (Cut the crap, you’re all aware of it). There abound vultures pretending to be journalists.”
Duterte emphasized that he will not stop from speaking the truth and is ready to put his presidency on the line.
(UNTV News/NEL MARIBOJOC)
The post Duterte not sorry for comment on media killings appeared first on UNTV News.