No leader, however strong, can succeed at anything of national importance or significance unless he has the support and cooperation of the people he is tasked to lead and sworn to serve.
Rodrigo Duterte
Love of country, subordination of personal interests to the common good, concern and care for the helpless and the impoverished - these are among the lost and faded values that we seek to recover and revitalize as we commence our journey towards a better Philippines.
Human rights must work to uplift human dignity.
I am a man of many flaws and contradictions.
I will flight for the people until my last breath.
God does not discriminate against people, regardless of color, religion, social class, or gender and sexual preferences.
As a lawyer and a former prosecutor, I know the limits of the power and authority of the president. I know what is legal and what is not.
My worry is how to protect the Filipino.
We have a society now where obedience to the law is really a choice, an option only.
Destiny is not designed by mere mortals like us. It is crafted by God.
I just want everybody to follow the law.
I have to build a new environment for the people. I will place them in ecozones and provide them assistance. I will build hospitals there. There will be economic activity.
I am just an ordinary man.
I have no cancer. I have four illnesses, but they are not fatal.
Relax. I am not the man I am portrayed to be by some.
The state must protect the media. In a democracy, the role of media is very important. In the absence of a credible opposition party, you can rely on the media.
Gamble until you die. I do not really care.
I don't care if you will get angry with me, but I am not open to a compromise. Contractualization must go. It is anti-people.
Let me be very clear: my friendship with my friends ends where the interest of the country begins.
I've always said that God will somehow enlighten me.
Sometimes, my mouth can get the better of me.
The only reason there is peace and order in Davao is because of me.
Even money has a price.
I do not like the way oppressed Filipinos are being treated now. They are oppressed and have no one to turn to.
Many are asking what my credentials are and what I can do for the Philippines. They are telling me that they heard I am a womanizer. That is true. That is very true.
Rich people are afraid to die.
I don't mind giving 5,000 pardons a day.
Steel is needed everywhere.
Erosion of faith and trust in government - that is the real problem that confronts us.
I have this deep and abiding faith in God. But this does not mean that you have to have a religion or follow somebody.
I need to control my mouth.
I have to address the economic conditions of everybody, including, and perhaps first, those who are poor.
If you're a public official, your life is an open book.
I'm fine with gays. I have nothing against gays.
For every profanity, there's a story behind it. People should go beyond my cussing.
I am well. Do not worry about my health.
Lawyers are for only what is right.
You have to support the government, not to me personally; I do not want anyone cultivating loyalty to me. I don't like that.
To all my political opponents, all and sundry, not only the presidential bets, I would like to offer my hand to friendship.
I wear cheap shoes. I don't even wear socks.
You cannot prevent me from talking. I am exercising my right to free speech.
Fate has many faces.
I really do not know. I really do not know how to solve the problem of the Philippines. I cannot be the savior of this republic.
Freedom of expression is very important.
Everyone gets sick, and everyone has to go.
For the record, I believe in God, but I do not believe in religion, period.
I would rather die early than enter Malacanang.
Whoever said I hated the media?
I am a lawyer and 22 years the mayor of Davao City. I served as congressman of the first district for one term, and I was vice mayor to my daughter, Inday.
What you should worry about is how you suffer here on this planet. You do not worry about suffering after you make the exit.
