ABS-CBN News
Posted at Sep 10 2016 04:54 AM
MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday urged journalists to criticize him if he is doing something wrong in his job.
Duterte issued the statement during a press conference after he arrived in Davao City from his state visit in Indonesia.
“Do not hesitate to attack me, criticize me, if I do wrong in my job,” Duterte told reporters, after being asked if he is angry at journalists.
“I am not at liberty to be angry at anybody. It is your sworn duty to ask questions. It is also my obligation to my people for the money spent in this trip and for all the things that cost the Filipino, I have to make an official report. Wala akong galit sa inyo,” he said.
He reminded members of the media of the important role they play in society.
“Every time you press that button in your camera, you record history of this country kaya importante kayo (that’s why you are important),” the president said.
Duterte earlier hit media “spin doctors” during a speech before the Filipino community in Indonesia. He cautioned Filipinos to “watch out” because the media can supposedly make people appear worse than they really are.
Duterte accused the media of “spinning stories several times over,” or allegedly leaving out relevant facts and telling lies to crucify him.