Duterte rejects Rolex gift from businessman

MANILA, Philippines - Will you turn down a Rolex wristwatch given as a gift?

President Duterte said he did, as he advised businessmen yesterday to refrain from offering bribes. 

The President said the Rolex was offered to him as advance gift for his 72nd birthday on March 28.

“You have to stop corruption. Do not give them anything,” Duterte said during a convention of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry yesterday in Pasay City.

“My birthday is coming up. Do not give me the gifts. Somebody gave me a Rolex watch, gold, in advance. I returned it,” he added. 

Duterte said the gift giver, whom he did not identify, refused to take the present back.

“Well, I will sell it again to the – at a discount… Now who would believe me if I talk about corruption then I wear a Rolex? You think I can afford a Rolex?” he said.

“That’s why I’ve been complaining also of my salary. That is really what happens if you have two wives,” he added, drawing laughter from the audience. 

The President turns 72 on March 28. 

Early this month, Duterte said he was given a Mercedes Benz but he refused to accept it to maintain his moral ascendancy in his drive against corruption. He did not identify who gave him the vehicle.

“I did not accept. I just placed it there. To the taxpayers who are interested, they can buy it from the government. I will sell it,” he said in an earlier speech.

“Whether you have money or you have none, I do not accept gifts,” he added.

Duterte said he is content with the 1988 pickup he has been using since he was mayor of Davao City.