Duterte to AFP: Oust me if I’m lying

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday told the Armed Forces of the Philippines to remove him from power if it's proven that he's lying about the extent of his wealth as his critics claim.

"Never mind my politics. Pang-ano lang ‘yan, pampatawa lang ‘yan... If it will exceed the 40-million mark, and that is my lifetime savings, including my hereditary properties, baril," Duterte told the troops.

Duterte made the remark at the change of command ceremonies of the Philippine Army in Fort Bonifacio. General Rolando Bautista took over the Army's helm from the retiring General Glorioso Miranda.

"Sabi ko nga, 'Please oust me if I tell a lie to you,'" Duterte said.

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV as early as during the campaign period in 2016 accused Duterte of having billions of pesos in his bank accounts.

Overall Deputy Ombudsman Melchor Arthur Carandang recently said they were already acting upon Trillanes' complaint, saying they got bank records from the Anti-Money Laundering Council to back up the claim.

However, the AMLC has since denied releasing any report on Duterte's bank accounts.

Duterte has warned the Office of the Ombudsman of illegally obtaining documents and announced his plans to impeach Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, although she had already inhibited herself from the probe.

In his speech, Duterte told the soldiers to maintain their loyalty to the Constitution and to the flag.

"Do not nurture a personal or a person diyan. Kaming lahat diyan sa gobyerno, dumadaan lang. But it behooves upon you, I said, to see to it that this country will grow, prosper until the end of time," Duterte said.

"Kaya nga tayo dito, because one day, your son, grandson will be standing there or here in the stage, running the affairs of the country," he added.

Duterte then ended his speech with a salute to the troops. —NB, GMA News