Charles Teves
President Rodrigo Duterte said before troops in Jolo, Sulu that he can die now that he has “dismantled oligarchy that controlled the economy of the Filipino people,” but would help his friends become wealthy.
“Kaya [kung] ako mamatay, mahulog ‘yung eroplano, p***** i**, I am very happy. Alam mo bakit? Sabi ko without declaring martial law, I dismantled the oligarchy that controlled the economy of the Filipino people” he said.
It wasn’t indicated which family he was talking about, but people speculate that it would be the Lopezes since ABS-CBN’s bid for a franchise renewal was killed by Congress five days ago.
He added that he is already satisfied with his life and seeing his friends become richer will only make him happier.
“‘Yung kaibigan kong tumutulong, ‘pag yumaman ka nang yumaman, mas maligaya ako. Tutal ako, happy na ako sa buhay ko. But I want you to get rich. But we have to talk because there is so much that we can do business,” he continued.
He delivered the speech with Sulu Governor Sakur Tan in attendance sitting in front.
The president initially discussed the unfortunate shooting incident in Jolo where 4 intelligence officers were killed by the police.
Duterte said he understands the “pain” Tan has to go through every single moment a Tausug is killed, whether that person is “right or wrong.” and even guaranteed the governor “that the truth will come out in fairness to the Tausug, policemen, and to the soldiers who died.”
He also that his administration “would like to change the way we look” at the Bangsamoro and to “give them a better arrangement.”
“Tayo ang mag-usap. Kung yayaman ka diyan, mas maligaya ako. Kaibigan kita eh,” he told Tan.
Duterte expressed interest in using coal as an energy resource which he said will still be used for the “next 30 years” given that solar energy doesn’t have enough to deliver on power supply requirements.
Duterte’s allies, such as businessmen have seen a significant increase in their wealth ever since he took office. Davao businessman Dennis Uy, who contributed to the incumbent’s 2016 campaign has been able to add 36 companies to his portfolio.
