Duterte to military: ‘If you think that I’m corrupt… oust me’

In the face of allegations of having hidden wealth, President Duterte recently said the military could launch a coup attempt to drive him out of power if it believes he is corrupt.

The President, showing no interest to cling to power, said he could be replaced with a new leader whom the people would support.

“Sabi ko sa military (I told the military) listening during the ceremony. ‘You have all the intelligence and apparatus. If you think that I’m corrupt and I am not worth the position, oust me, please,’” he said during a food expo in Pasay City on Thursday.

“Tanggalin ninyo ako (Remove me) through a coup d’etat or whatever you want. Then find a leader that maybe the Filipino nation would be happy listening to,” he added.

Duterte, in an earlier speech at the Philippine Army turnover ceremony, said the military could oust him if he lied about his wealth. The commander-in-chief also reminded the military to remain loyal to the Constitution and the flag, not nurture loyalty to a person.

In his speech at the Agrilink/Foodlink/Aqualink 2017 on Thursday, the President has dismissed as “garbage” the accusations he had undeclared wealth in bank accounts, insisting that his wealth amounted only less than P40 million.

Duterte also offered anew to resign if the ill-gotten wealth allegations are proven by his critics.

“If my bank account and riches would exceed 40 million — and that is my lifetime savings and my hereditary property — I will resign. I give you that word of honor, guarantee,” he said.

Duterte admitted that he managed to save some money since he lived with his mother for many years.

“I got free lodging there because I stayed with my mother and it was a big money. So I was enjoying free board and lodging for many years. She just died three years ago,” he said.

“Kaya ‘yung sweldo ko nandoon (My salaries are there) and it has reached three million ever since,” he added.

The President is currently being investigated by the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly hiding billions in bank accounts based on a complaint by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. Duterte has refused to cooperate with the Ombudsman probe due to concerns it has falsified bank documents stolen from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).