Duterte reiterates stance on freedom of expression

DAVAO CITY - Presumptive President Rodrigo Duterte on late Tuesday evening sat down for a one-on-one interview with veteran journalist and GMA News Anchor Jessica Soho for GMA's “Saksi” and disclosed his views on press freedom and the Philippines' relationship with China.

On press freedom, Duterte said he was never portrayed as an “angel” by the press and asserted that criticism is part of public service.

“Iyong criticism, good or bad, true or not is part of the territory of governance in public,” he said.

Asked about his opinion on his critics, including Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Duterte repeated that he will defend anyone's right to speak their mind.

“I may disagree by what you say, but I will defend your right to say it. We are in a democracy,” he said.

“I am not going after political enemies,” he added.

However, he wants to know how the country “lost” the Scarbrough Shoal. He underscored that the issue goes beyond two countries disagreeing on territory.

He said the area is an economic zone, and that structures constructed at the site impede freedom of navigation that would have an effect on the country's economy.

On the country's relationship with China, he said: “I said we are allied with the Western powers. Historically, we have never been on the side of China. Communism sila noon eh.”

The rest of the interview will be aired on news programs of GMA-7 and GMA News TV.

After the May 9 elections, Duterte took a break for almost a week. 

He then granted media interviews late Sunday night at Hotel Elena where he announced the names of the candidates to lead the Philippine National Police chief and Armed Forces of the Philippines, among others.

On Monday, he held his first press conference as presumptive President and greeted well-wishers composed of ambassadors from China and Japan, supporters from different provinces, possible Cabinet appointees, and other politicians. The meet-and-greet started at 3 p.m. and ended at around 11 a.m. Tuesday. — BAP, GMA News