Duterte: I killed because I felt Arroyo wanted it

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday claimed that he had killed someone because he felt that former Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo wanted it.

Duterte attended the appreciation dinner that members of the 17th Congress hosted for Arroyo, who after 27 years in service is retiring from politics.

In his speech, the President expressed his admiration for Arroyo, saying that her work in the executive and legislative branches of the government have spurred economic development and helped the country achieve progress.

"Serving in various capacities, she crossed party lines and worked with various sectors in order to implement legislation that improved our people's welfare," Duterte said of Arroyo.

"I have always held President Arroyo in high esteem for inspiring and disciplined leadership not only for my presidency but the rest of the public as well," he added.

Duterte also recalled how he would stay up late at night just to talk to and seek the advice of Arroyo. He said he aspires to carry on with his presidency by following Arroyo's "brilliant example of a strong-willed leadership and decisive governance."

"Madame President, we raise our glasses for the invaluable contributions that you have made as a public servant. May your legacy shine to inspire millions of Filipinos as we move forward in realizing our dream of building a better and more prosperous Philippines for all," he said.

Duterte added, "I'll just do it myself. I'll give you the toast. Bilib ako sa 'yo, Ma'am, because you might want to know that even when I was mayor, and for the years that President Arroyo was there, I was really working for her."

But towards the end of his speech, Duterte recalled an instance which would show how he "worked" for Arroyo.

"Of course wala akong pinatay na tao na utos niya. Pinatay ko na lang kasi feeling ko gusto niya. Maraming salamat po," Duterte said.

Meanwhile in her speech, Arroyo also thanked Duterte for supporting her throughout her political career that spanned almost three decades.

She did not forget, however, to thank the President for playing a role in the dismissal of her plunder charges back in 2016. —LDF/KG, GMA News