Push Admin

Article (news)

Duterte: I have to be a dictator

Dharel Placido, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/01/14/rodrigo-duterte-abs-cbn-news-062416.jpg"/></figure></div>MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte admitted he is a dictator, but he said he had to be one to put the country in order.“If you say dictator, I will be dictator. Because if I will not be a dictator, nothing will happen to this country,” Duterte said in Bisaya during a speech in front of former communist rebels in Malacañang.“I had to. Besides you have chosen me as your President. Why won&#x27;t you follow me when my dreams are all for you?”In previous speeches, Duterte had denied that he was turning into a dictator just like the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/31/16/duterte-i-have-no-plans-to-become-a-dictator">Duterte: I have no plans to become a dictator</a></li></ul>In a speech late last month, Duterte even told the military to shoot him if he exceeds his term and turns into a dictator.“Inyong trabaho &#x27;yan, to protect the Constitution, and to protect the people. Remember it as a solemn duty. Kaya ako ‘pag sumobra, gusto kong mag-diktador, barilin ninyo ako. Hindi ako nagbobola,” he said.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/22/18/duterte-shoot-me-if-i-exceed-my-term">Duterte: Shoot me if I exceed my term</a></li></ul>Critics, however, have said his policies, such as the declaration of martial law in Mindanao and the controversial war on drugs, were authoritarian in nature.

President Rodrigo Duterte admitted he is a dictator, but he said he had to be one to put the country in order.

President Rodrigo Duterte admitted he is a dictator, but he said he had to be one to put the country in order.

Duterte: I have to be a dictator

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

News

Duterte: I have to be a dictator

Dharel Placido,

ABS-CBN News

Published February 09, 2018 10:35 AM PHT

Read More:

Rodrigo Duterte

politics

dictator

Constitution

Ferdinand Marcos

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.