Duterte does not mind criticism, but...

MANILA, Philippines - President Duterte does not mind being called names by the media, saying it is part of his job as a public servant, although he lamented what he described as “prostitution of journalism” in the country.

“Some might call me s**t or an a****le but it doesn’t matter. If we reverse the situation, your children will get hurt,” the President said during the oath taking of the officers of the Malacañang Press Corps, Malacañang Cameramen Association and Presidential Photojournalists Association yesterday.

“That’s the only problem I think because a president and all others in public office are public properties,” he added.

Duterte said those working for government should just bear such criticisms while performing their duties.

“You just have to swallow them and your only reward is that you have served your country,” he said.

Despite the negative publicity, Duterte said press freedom is anathema to a dictatorship.

“In the Philippines, you have freedom. You can print what you want. Libel anybody and slander if you want, because nobody will take you to action. It would just be a waste of time in court,” he said.

“In the government, we say that the balm of clear conscience would erase everything, though it does not really apply in its truest form because the subject of tirades have children. But that’s fine with me,” he added.

The President hinted that some journalists allowed themselves to be used by politicians. He cited his critic Sen. Leila de Lima, who he said is trying to divert attention away from her supposed link to the illegal drug trade.

“She is passing that responsibility to another forum,” the President said, referring to De Lima.

“And because of … the prostitution of journalism, they gave contacts here and there.”

De Lima has been accused of receiving millions from drug lords jailed at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) when she was justice secretary.

Prisoners told lawmakers in a House hearing last week that drug money was used to bankroll De Lima’s senatorial bid.

De Lima has denied the allegations and claimed that Duterte was discrediting her because she is critical of his war on drugs.

Duterte is unfazed by criticisms hurled at him through the media, saying he is just doing his job as president.

“I am not the mayor who will please a world body,” he said.

The tough-talking Duterte has had a love-hate relationship with the media.

He refused to grant media interviews in June after he was criticized for saying that some slain journalists were involved in extortion.

Some media watchdogs interpreted Duterte’s remark as an endorsement of media killings and demanded an apology from him.

Duterte ended the media boycott on Aug. 1.

During a courtesy call of editors and reporters of The STAR on Aug. 3, the President said he does not mind criticism as long as it has basis.

“As long as there is a semblance of truth, go ahead,” he said. “I am just your worker, that’s true.”