Manila, Philippines – No impeachment complaint in Congress or a criminal case before an international court would deter President Duterte from sustaining his “brutal” campaign against drugs, crime, and corruption.
The President declared that his opponents could “do their worst” against him but he will stay focused on carrying out his sworn duty to the nation even at the risk of losing his life, honor, and presidency.
“I welcome both developments. They can do their worst. I can do better in my performance as a worker in government, period. This is a democracy,” Duterte said before departing Davao City for his visits to Myanmar and Thailand yesterday.
“I will not be intimidated and I shall not be stopped by just…What? International Criminal Court? Impeachment? If that is part of my destiny, it is my destiny to go,” he added.
An opposition lawmaker recently filed an impeachment complaint against the President for alleged corruption and abuse of power.
The complaint, filed by Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano, alleged that Duterte has committed high crimes, from involvement in extrajudicial killings to amassing unexplained wealth. It is the first impeachment try against the President before a Congress dominated by his allies.
Unfazed by the threats against his presidency, Duterte maintained that he is ready to be impeached or even rot in jail if it is part of his destiny.
“Wala sa akin ‘yang impeachment, impeachment. I go by the rules of destiny. What gave me the presidency was pure destiny, if you consider all the things that happened along the way,” he said.
“And if I get impeached, if I go to prison, as long as I have the right to select where I should be – I should rot for all time. Sa Monaco lang ako, ma’am. Basta may view lang ako doon sa beach tapos may teleskopyo ako, okay na ako,” he added.
He agreed to bow to the Lord’s will if he will only serve a few months or years in office. “Maybe God gave me only two years, six months, one year and a half to be President of this country, fine.”
For now, the President said he is determined to fulfill his campaign promises to suppress illegal drugs, crime, and corruption in the country.
“I will deliver on my promises. Listen to me, even if it could cost me my life, my honor, and the presidency. Kaya kong bitawan lahat ‘yan, mawala sa akin, but I will comply with my promise,” he said. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)
