Duterte ‘dangles’ Rolex reward for Medal of Valor awardees

Having once revealed he had turned down a Rolex watch birthday gift, President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday, in turn, said that he would give Rolex watches to exceptional soldiers.

In a speech in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, Duterte quipped that soldiers who would get a Medal of Valor, the military's highest honor, also deserved expensive wristwatches.

"'Di ako nagsusuot niyan, pero kapag Valor kayong lahat, Rolex kayong lahat. Sigurado 'yan," Duterte said before members of the 401st Infantry (Unity) Brigade of the Philippine Army (PA).

On a more serious note though, Duterte voiced his support for the soldiers, vowing to protect them should they face any charges in the performance of their duty.

The commander-in-chief made the promise as he honored troops of the Army's 401st Infantry (Unity) Brigade.

"If it is in the performance of your duty and you face charges, criminal and all, you need not worry. I will take the blame personally and I will protect you and I would never, never allow you to go to jail," Duterte said.

The President added that he will "not allow a single soldier to stay in prison even for one day."

Aside from thanking troops for their gallantry in defending the land, Duterte reiterated his call for a lasting peace.

"I assure you that you are not alone in this fight. As long as you perform your mandate in accordance with law, this administration will remain steadfast in supporting your organization and provide you with the necessary and resources that will able you to fulfill as defenders of the nation," he said.

In March 2017, Duterte said he was given a Rolex watch for his birthday on March 28 but added that he had refused to accept the expensive watch.

“My birthday is coming up. Do not give me the gifts. Somebody gave me a Rolex watch, gold, in advance. I returned it. He does not want to accept it,” Duterte said at the time.

Since the giver did not take it back, Duterte said he was planning to sell it at a lower price. — MDM/KG, GMA News