Duterte unfazed by impeachment threat

MANILA, Philippines — Impeachment? I have no problem with that.

This was President-elect Rodrigo Duterte's answer to his critics who are wary of his war against crime and corruption, the campaign promise that gave him victory during the 2016 polls.

"I won. Why? Because I was the person carrying the right message – corruption in government, criminality. I will fulfill my promise regardless of who will be affected. I will stake my honor my life and presidency itself," the incoming president said on Monday at a flag raising ceremony in front of Davao City Hall.

"Impeachment? Go ahead. I have no problem with that.  I will insist on what I promised to the people," he added.

Duterte has vowed to wage a "bloody" war against crime and illegal drugs, drawing concerns from some sectors who fear that it would lead to summary executions and human rights violations. He said his plan would suppress crime in three to six months.

The next president has offered bounty for those who would kill drug lords and is bent on reviving the death penalty, which was abolished by then president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2006. He has also promised to protect policemen who would face charges because of his intensified anti-criminality drive.

As early as now, there are speculations that Duterte's controversial plans will earn him an impeachment complaint. An impeachment complaint can only be filed a year after a president assumes office.

Duterte, however, ignored his critics, saying the Philippines would degenerate into a "narcotics state" if he listens to all his critics.  He said some of those who decry supposed human rights violations are making it appear that the slain criminals are saints.

"You cannot solve what ails this country by killing people but in the meantime, I have a serious problem to solve because seven years from now, it's going to be narco-politics," he said.  

Duterte also defended his plan to impose curfew on minors, saying it was meant to "protect them from harm."

"We're not in the process of arresting. We're taking into the custody the child to protect them from harm. How can it be a human rights violation? You protect the children of this country by controlling their movements at night. That is human right violation?" he added.

Duterte said he is still studying whether to enforce a nationwide liquor ban.

He also has a message to Jose Luis Martin Gascon, chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights, who has been wary of the next administration's anti-criminality drive.

"Just let me be," Duterte said. – with a report from Lorenzo Acuña