Duterte to journalists: I am not your enemy

MANILA, Philippines — Despite the negative publicity his administration has been getting, especially on the issue of extrajudicial killing, President Duterte told the media the other night that he trusts and respects freedom of the press.

Duterte assured the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) that he is not media’s enemy.

“Never mind about our relations. It’s always adversarial… Wala naman tayong galit. We do not fight with each other. I do not hate anybody here or else I would not be inviting you to my place,” Duterte said.

“I am not your enemy,” he stressed.

Duterte said he recognizes the media’s quest for truth and their job of bringing the news to the people.

“Your quest for truth, that is your business, not mine. At the end of the day, it’s not my property. It’s just public interest. Your truth is not my truth and everybody’s truth…,” he said.

Duterte appealed to media to always present every side of a story.

“There are always two sides of the coin. My truth, your truth and the public perception,” the Chief Executive said.

Duterte hosted a get-together dinner for the MPC last Tuesday evening at the Heroes Hall in Malacañang.

During the socials, Duterte gamely sang along to his favorite pieces such as “Ikaw,” “MacArthur Park” and “You Raise Me Up.”

Duterte’s confidante, special assistant secretary Christopher Go, also sang a number of songs during the event. 

Not to be outdone, Presidential Communications Operations Office Communications Secretary Martin Andanar sang “New York, New York” and “American Pie.”

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque sang “Pare Ko” after some members of the press corps entertained the guests during the gathering.