Duterte: Kill my children if they are into drugs

MANILA, Philippines - Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte will order the killing of his own children if they get involved in illegal drug activities.

The presidential aspirant, who maintains a strong stance against illegal drugs, said he would not spare even his own family members if he discovers that they are using illegal drugs.

“None (of my children are into illegal drugs). But my order is, even if it is a member of my family, ‘kill him’,” the tough-talking mayor said. 

Duterte was asked about his stand on several issues during the “fast talk” segment of the third presidential debate hosted by ABS-CBN and Manila Bulletin at the University of Pangasinan in Dagupan City last Sunday.

Asked if he is a good example to the youth, he answered “yes” because he restored public safety and order in Davao City. 

He also said he would not declare martial law, except when there is rebellion and lawless violence, and is willing to give the late president Ferdinand Marcos a hero’s burial. 

“It’s time to heal,” Duterte said. 

If elected on May 9, he would give the top tourism and finance department posts to deserving women.

He refused to accept the challenge of Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer Mar Roxas though to give up his presidential bid if the latter could prove that Davao City benefitted from the government’s PhilHealth program. 

Roxas made the dare after Duterte insinuated that the government is all promises but runs short on implementation, claiming that PhilHealth has not reached Davao City until now.

“I do not believe you. You have made so many promises in your term in the government… it’s all talk, announcement (and) no implementation. And, if there is one, it’s all corruption,” Duterte said.

He mocked Roxas, saying that if Filipinos believed in him and in what he says, “then why are you behind in the ratings?”

Roxas’ retort was that Filipinos have already seen Duterte’s attitude in public, which made him unfit to lead the country.  – With Edith Regalado, Mike Frialde