Philippines’ Duterte Dares Media to Stop Covering Him, Blasts UN
- Duterte tells media to follow him through state-run network
- Incoming leader promises ‘metamorphosis’ once he takes office
Rodrigo Duterte speaks in Davao on May 31.
Photographer: Manman Dejeto/AFP via Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Philippine President-elect Rodrigo Duterte dared reporters Thursday night to stop covering him after drawing flak for earlier comments that corrupt journalists were legitimate targets of assassination, even as he vowed to be a changed man by the end of the month when he takes office.
“I’m urging you; make this trip your last in Davao City,” Duterte said in English during a two-hour televised briefing that started at 9:10 p.m. “I do not care if no one is covering me. Do not threaten me, I said I’m ready to lose the presidency, my honor or my life. Just do not fuck with me.”