MANILA, Philippines - Despite his tough stance on illegal drugs, President Duterte apologized last night to Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno for his “harsh words” that he said were unintended.
In a late night press conference in Davao City, Duterte said his tough talk was his way of addressing the drug menace.
“I would apologize to the Chief Justice for the harsh words, which were never intended,” Duterte said. “Because of the magnitude of the problem, it was my way of solving the problem within the ambit of my powers as president.”
He said it is his job to inform people of their surroundings so they can avoid harm and danger.
Duterte confirmed that he is not yet done revealing the names of public officials who are believed to be involved in the illegal drug trade.
“I have another round of exposé,” he said, adding it was not meant to defame those named. “Who wants to defame people? Is it the duty of the President to ruin people’s reputation? That’s stupid.”
Despite the apology, Duterte continued to have tough words for critics of his human rights record, and said he was aware that he was the “favorite whipping boy” of human rights advocates.
“One day I will destroy her,” he vowed, without saying who he was referring to.