President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday evening addressed anew the controversy over the burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos by challenging protesters to disprove if the latter has never served as Philippine president.
He defended his action of ordering the burial of Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, saying it was his sworn duty to do so as president.
Duterte gave a brief speech regarding his two-day attendance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting in Lima after landing at the Davao International Airport.
Duterte then dwelt on the planned mass actions against the Marcos interment at the LMB.
He maintained he was just abiding by the law.
Duterte, however, gave a challenge to anti-Marcos rallyists — who are set to hold a big protest on Friday.
“If protesters can satisfactorily answer his two questions in the negative or with a “no,” then he would “gladly — and happily even — step down” as a president.
“Was the late Ferdinand Marcos a president? Was he a soldier?” he asked.
“Was he a hero or coward? That is not my business – I was not there, I cannot decide in favor of sentiments. You are asking me to violate the law,” he added.
Full maximum tolerance
The President said that protesters would be given all the elbowroom to carry out their mass actions.
In fact, he said, rallies would be allowed in all public places — with no time limit, not even a permit requirement.
“Protesters will have my protection also,” Duterte said.
He then paraphrased a famous line on freedom of expression, “I may not agree with what you say but I will protect your right to say it.
“As your president, you have my word, you have that commitment.”
