Duterte says Filipinos elected him; no need to please cops, soldiers

November 22, 2018

President Rodrigo Duterte said on Thursday he does not need to please the police and the military because he was elected by the people.

Duterte made the statement amid criticisms most of his appointees in government are either retired military or police officials.

"You know, you might be wrong in thinking that I'm trying to please the police, also the military. I was elected by the people. I wasn't elected by the military or the police," he said in a speech in Cavite.

Duterte said the Philippine National Police ( PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines ( AFP) have their own mandate, the same way that he has his own.

"I just happened to be in that office in Pasig (River) who’d call the shots. But I --- even in their appointments here in the civil (service), also military, I do not tinker with… It’s merit," he said.

Duterte said he was just following the recommendation of the board of generals whenever he promotes anyone.

"All I need is an honest and a competent guy," he added.

There were observations Duterte has been appointing former men in uniform and is fond of visiting various camps in the country to ensure their full support so that he would not be ousted from office. Celerina Monte/DMS