No more cursing? What Duterte's 'metamorphosis' will be like

MANILA, Philippines — He has been criticized for his gutter language and rudeness but if President-elect Rodrigo Duterte is to be believed, these behaviors would soon be “history.”

Duterte, who stirred controversy over his recent comments on media killings, said he would undergo a “metamorphosis” once he assumes the presidency on June 30.
 
But until he becomes the country’s chief executive, Duterte will still be his usual "unpresidential" self – frank, brash and irreverent.  

“I’m not (yet) the president. You wait.  I’m really a rude person. I’m enjoying my time as a rude person,” Duterte said when asked to react to criticisms that his behavior is "unbecoming" of a president.  

“When I become a president, when I take my oath of office, if you want a conduct more in keeping with the dignity of the office, that’s a different story,” he added.

When asked if the public would see a different Duterte once he occupies the highest elected post in the land, the incoming president said: “Yes, it will be a metamorphosis.”

Duterte went on to talk calmly in straight English, something he does not usually do during long winding, late night press conferences.  

“Ladies and gentlemen of the media who are here, you know, when I get to be president, I have to tone down on my cursing that would be (part of the) past,” the incoming president said.

“I have to concentrate more on what happens to the country and make it (progressive). There are lot of things I have to do to.”

Duterte then discussed the need to reach out to communist rebels and to Nur Misuari, the founder of the Moro National Liberation Front who is facing rebellion charges over the 2013 Zamboanga siege.

“When I come back, I would address you in a very polite manner. Do you have any question for me?” Duterte said, drawing laughs from reporters.

Duterte said in an earlier interview that he should not be taken seriously if his statements are preposterous or ridiculous.

When asked if he is being serious or preposterous, Duterte replied: “I’ll tell you how I would behave. I said there’s going to be a metamorphosis of the mind. From a caterpillar, it blossoms to a butterfly.”

But Duterte immediately returned to his old self after delivering the sound bite.

“Tumahimik kayo diyan (You keep quiet),” he said in jest.