Nicknamed “The Punisher” for his proposed measures to tackle crime, presumptive president-elect of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte is showing no sign of softening his stance as he prepares to assume leadership of the South Asian nation.
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“President Obama noted that the successful election and record voter participation were emblematic of the Philippines’ vibrant democracy”, the statement read.
“As far as im concerned, from the Office of the President and down, if you want to see papers, let me know”, he said.
Political analysts say chances of progress in restarting dialogue are helped by Duterte winning the presidency as he has good relations with the political left.
Mr Duterte said he will ask his country’s congress to reimpose the death penalty, which has been suspended since 2006 following opposition from the Roman Catholic church.
He also promised efficiency in government and an end to the corrupt practice of charging for the timely delivery of official permits, saying he would institute a 72-hour limit for the processing of any official papers.
They say children and petty criminals were among the victims.
On the campaign trail he vowed to execute 100,000 criminals and dump them into Manila Bay, and more recently, he said he wanted to bring back the death penalty and empower security forces to “shoot to kill” those who resist arrest.
“I expect you to obey the laws so there will be no chaos”.
Critics believe he’ll tackle organised crime head-on, transforming the Philippines into a war zone on a par with Mexico, where drug-related violence has claimed thousands of lives.
This raises the possibility that the Marxist guerrillas, who demand an end to USA military presence in the country and free land distribution to farmers, could assume high positions in the government.
Duterte, who won a landslide victory in last week’s elections, had offered four cabinet posts to the insurgents and expressed willingness to free ailing guerrillas from prison to jumpstart peace negotiations that had stalled three years ago.
“We need legislation for that”, he said.
Mr. Duterte extended the offer on Monday, The World Weekly reported.
“We lack patrol cars and secure radios”, said the official, who declined to be named because he is not authorised to speak to the media.
The tough-talking 71-year-old Duterte, who was elected on May 9 on a populist platform, has been accused by rights groups of running vigilante death squads in his home city of Davao, which he has ruled for most of the past two decades.
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In an interview with CNN Philippines on Monday, Sison said he was “very proud” of Duterte and welcomed his moves to seek rapprochement.
