Rody to crooks: Merry Christmas, this will be your last

MANILA, Philippines - Presidential aspirant Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte gave yesterday his Christmas message, addressing drug dealers, thieves, corrupt officials, criminals and those who oppress the people and warning them that “this will be your last Merry Christmas” if they do not change.

In a 30-second video posted a few days ago on the Facebook page of “Mocha Uson Blog,” Duterte said: “Kaya kung ayaw ninyong huminto at patuloy pa rin ang karahasan, ito na ang huli ninyong (If you do not stop and still continue the violence, this will be your last) Merry Christmas.”

The mayor said that he is still human, that’s why he wants to greet drug addicts, thieves, corrupt officials, criminals and oppressors of the people a merry Christmas.

The bizarre Christmas message is making the rounds online since it was posted on Facebook.

It has more than 1.9 million views; 50,000 likes; more than 78,000 shares and more than 3,000 comments as of 3 p.m. yesterday.

Facebook users Dave Grace Panzo Mabalod and a certain Ate Jenny thanked Duterte for the “good words” he made in the video warning criminals to change before it’s too late.

Edyboy Abella also urged criminals to change if they still want a Merry Christmas next year if Duterte wins the presidential polls.

Another Facebook user, Arnold Patingan, however, challenged Duterte to first dismantle the political dynasty in Davao City.

He also expressed doubt that Duterte could make changes within six years.

Rico Pino also assailed Duterte, saying that his supporters should really think wisely before they vote for him because he has not done anything against corrupt officials.

The audio version of Duterte’s Christmas message is on radio. The video is reportedly to be shown in theaters nationwide this week.

The video appeared to have been shot inside Duterte’s office at Davao City Hall.

He was shown sitting with his feet crossed and his fist on his chin.