Duterte: I cannot protect all journalists in the country, even honest ones

Following backlash over his previous statement on media killings, President-elect Rodrigo Duterte told reporters late Thursday night at the Presidential Guest House in Davao City that he cannot protect all journalists in the country.

“Do not ever think that I am here to beautify journalists. That is not my business. Now, in the matter of killings of journalists, it happens everywhere,” he said.

Duterte began the event with a tirade saying there are three kinds of journalists: the crusaders, the mouthpiece of vested interests, and the lowlife who extort money and destroy reputation.

But while “lowlife” journalists are prone to assassination, Duterte said that he also cannot protect proper reporters.

“I cannot protect all journalists all over the Philippines. Now, if you belong to the first groups — the ones bonafide journalists — you run the risk when you expose something, corruption and all," he said. 

"That's a risk. It's like soldiering," he added.

Duterte said while he wants to protect journalists, it is impossible to provide security for everyone.

"In journalism, if you the speak truth firmly, of course, you invite danger. Of course, I want to protect you. But I cannot assign to every journalist crusading, doing his thing in return being killed. Bakit at the end of the question kami ang kontrabida?" he said. 

Most dangerous place for journalists

Media organizations have slammed Duterte's earlier remarks when asked about what his government planned to do about media killings, saying that most of those who are killed are corrupt anyway.

Ryan Rosauro, chairman of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), said the incoming Chief Executive's "appalling" pronouncements indicate that it was okay to kill journalists if they were corrupt.

"Mr. Duterte’s crass pronouncement not only sullies the names and memories of all 176 of our colleagues who have been murdered since 1986, he has also, in effect, declared open season to silence the media, both individual journalists and the institution, on the mere perception of corruption," Rosauro said in a statement.

The Philippines ranked as the second most dangerous country for journalists, with 176 media practitioners killed since 1986, according to data from the Committee to Protect Journalists

International media watchdog Reporters Without Borders criticized Duterte for his earlier statements on media killings, and urged Philippine press outlets to boycott his new conferences until he issues a public apology.

Boycott dare

In response, Duterte dared reporters trailing him to stop going to Davao City.

"I do not want publicity, you know that. It would be good if you disappear... Mag-boycott na kayo. As a matter of fact, make this trip your last in Davao City. I do not care if there is nobody covering me," he said.

"Huwag kayong pumunta. Make it a first in the history of this Republic. Do not cover me... PTV-4 na lang kayo makinig. I am asking you guys do not ever ever come back," he added.

"I am telling the networks. Do not come here. I do not need you. I will just go around and tell the people that this is the program of government and you would know it."

Duterte then dared the reporters to "kill" journalism.

“As a matter of fact, I'm challenging you guys. Kill journalism. Stop journalism in the country. If you're worth your salt, you should accept the challenge. Pagka hindi, mababa na ang tingin ko sa inyo. Para kayong takot,” he ended the topic.

Pressed by GMA News anchor and reporter Mariz Umali what he meant by his statement about killing journalism, Duterte backtracked and said he was taken out of context.

“I was taken out of context. There's no sense when you say ‘kill journalism’. You cannot connect the two words,” he clarified.

“Kill journalism here. Do not want to come here anymore,” he added.

He said that he cannot stop journalists from doing their jobs. But if they want to heed groups' calls to boycott him, they can sure choose to "kill journalism here".

"I cannot stop you. If you do not want to come here, to boycott me, kill journalism here. Kung ayaw na ninyo magpunta, eh di wala na journalis, How can I kill journalism? Ibig kong sabihin, 'Wag ka na,' If you want, you can kill journalism here. Then, I will rely on the government [media]. Because that is the threat. P— i—," he said. —JST, GMA News