As the government steps up measures to defeat the novel coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic, President Duterte has pledged never to lie to the public and steal public funds.
The President said he intends to govern “properly and right” and would frankly tell the people about the real situation in the country.
“I do not have the duty to lie to you. Bakit ako magsinungaling? Kung ganun ang sitwasyon, sabihin ko sa inyo, ‘yan. Eh anong magawa ko?” he said in his public address last Friday.
“Bakit ko papahirapan ang sarili ko? Magtanong ako sa inyo. Just to lie to you to make you happy? Well, I govern properly and right. If it makes you happy, then you smile. If not, you criticize me. Walang pigil, social media, lahat kayo,” he added.
The President, who delivered recent public addresses to update the nation about the government’s COVID-19 response, said he would rather tell the truth than “color” his statement just to please the public.
“Pero ako magsabi ako, I have to color my statement, I do not do that. Dito sabihin ko prangkahan mo ‘yung tao,” he said.
With the implementation of the P200-billion emergency subsidy program for low-income families, the President also assured the public that he would not pillage the nation’s coffers.
The former Davao City mayor said stealing public funds has never been on his mind since he entered government. (Genalyn Kabiling)