Duterte dares media: Attack me if I fail to do my sworn duty

President Rodrigo Duterte challenged the media early Saturday to criticize him if he fails to do his sworn duty for the country.

In his arrival speech that capped his international trips --first to Laos for the ASEAN and then to Indonesia for a working visit -- Duterte said, "...do not hesitate to attack me, criticize me if I do wrong in my job. It is your duty to your country. As I have my duty to the people to serve you. Huwag kayong maano..."

He was responding to a question from the media regarding "mistaken" media reports stemming from his pre-departure address that was supposed to contain "strong statements" against President Barack Obama that sparked diplomatic concerns.

Also, he said that people commit mistakes, some with malice and some without.

If the mistake "is just a mere shortfall of talent, hayaan mo na... I would like to presume that you did it without malice," he said even as he expressed appreciation of an apology for a shortcoming in reporting.

Duterte also exhorted the people behind media's cameras. 

"Yun mga camera diyan kayo ang kukuha diyan ... baka minamaliit ninyo ang role ninyo in the entire gamut of media. You are recording the history of this country. Someday, 'pag-on nila na ganon tapos walang lumabas, na-blur, ay anak ka ng *** Natulog siguro yung [expletive] doon sa...," he said.

"Pero, with an accurate and true representation of what's going on, I said saludo ako. The freedom of the people to be informed and a media that is there to find ... true and accurate [information]. You portray history. Kaya ako strikto," he added.

He also said that he has no ill-feelings against the media.

"I am not at liberty to be angry at anybody. It is your sworn duty to ask questions...Wala akong galit sa inyo."

But he stressed his preferential inclination for the poor.

"Huwag ninyong galawin ang maliit na tao. Kasi sila yung nangailangan ng gobyerno. For the rich and famous, for the oligarchy, they don't need a president at all. — LBG, GMA News