Duterte on Bato, Go: I take full responsibility

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte assured the public yesterday that two of his allies – former presidential assistant Christopher Go and former police chief Ronald dela Rosa – would be competent in their new roles as senators of the country.

In a speech before newly appointed government officials, Duterte said he takes full responsibility over Go and Dela Rosa if they succumb to corruption or any illegal activity while in government service.

“Six years ‘yan so makita ninyo and sabihin ko sa inyo (so, let me tell you), I take full responsibility if they go wayward,” he said, describing  Dela Rosa as a “fundamentally honest” person. 

“I’m using the word ‘fundamentally’ kasi itong sa mga pulis, alam mo na ‘pag may na-solve sila na crime magpadala ’yung mga offended parties ng lechon. Eh tatanggapin talaga nila ‘yan. Bakit mo naman hindi tanggapin? Nagpapasalamat (Because the police, when they solve a crime, the offended parties will send them lechon. They will accept that. Why shouldn’t they? It’s gratitude).”

Duterte urged the new appointees to report to his office directly any issues related to corruption in government transactions.

“Anyway if you are right, or in the right and you are forced to do a wrong, resist it and report it to me. My house is just across, kung gabi tawagan mo lang si (if it’s in the evening, just call) Sen. Bong Go,” he said.

Duterte urged Go, who was present during Monday’s event, to stand up and be recognized by the appointees. 

He said Go should also thank the people who voted for him.

“Bong, diyan ka tindig, mag-bow ka lang diyan. Just say ‘salamat’ (Bong, stand there. Bow right there. Just say ‘thank you’),” he added.

The President said he has known Dela Rosa since the former police chief was assigned to Davao some two decades ago.