Rody: I’m just a probinsiyano, but…

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Describing himself as a “probinsyano” lacking social skills, president-elect Rodrigo Duterte said he nevertheless has the power to create positions, as he invited businessmen at a forum yesterday to join his Cabinet.

Duterte was apparently trying to make light of criticism that only his friends and former classmates were appointed to Cabinet positions.

He told his audience he was just a country bumpkin who did not have many friends in high places.

“I’m really a dyed-in-the-wool probinsyano,” he said. “Ang nakilala ko sa buhay ko mga taga-Davao. Di naman ako niyaya ng mga sosyal sa Maynila (The people I know are from Davao. I was never invited by socialites from Manila).”

But now that he is president-elect, Duterte said he can create titles for just about anyone.

“If you want, I will hire you. Just raise your right hand,” he joked.

“The president has prerogative of naming titles, attaching it and raising it to Cabinet level. If you want, I can hire you all,” he said, then quickly added, “Just joking.”

Duterte went on to say that as a student he never excelled in economics, so he has designated people who are comfortable with the subject. “I told you I almost failed economics,” Duterte said.

“Ayoko yan. Nakakahilo yan. Dito taas tapos bukas lugi. Kung ganyan ang negosyo mo e di huminto ka na lang (I don’t like that. It makes me dizzy. The figures go up and then tomorrow, the business is bankrupt. If that’s the way your business works, you should just stop),” he added.

Duterte, nevertheless, vowed to provide a conducive environment for business by stamping out corruption and crime. He noted that investors cannot grow their business if security threats persist.

“I don’t like corruption. It makes me sick,” Duterte said.

On a more serious note, Duterte warned businessmen the country would become a narco-state if the prevailing illegal drug problem is not effectively and immediately addressed.

“If you do not do something with the situation, seven years from now, this country will become a narco-state,” he  said.

Duterte, who earlier said there were at least 35 local executives who were into the illegal drug trade, said some elected local officials won because of drug money. He stressed he would never allow illegal drugs to proliferate under his watch.