Duterte challenges the journalists to boycott him on Thursday night.
Duterte challenges the media to kill journalism by saying, “As a matter of fact, I’m challenging you guys: Kill journalism. Stop journalism in this country. If you are worth your salt, you should accept the challenge. Pag hindi, mababa na ang tingin ko sa inyo. Para kayong takot.”
On a late press conference, Duterte scolds the media about the corruption with their ranks. This happened after a journalist ask about his reaction on the report that some networks allegedly urged reporters to boycott Duterte’s presscon.
“Magboycott kayo! Make it the first time in this country. Do not cover me!”, he said daring the media to leave and boycott in covering him as the Philippines’ next president.
In his dismay, Duterte said that, “There are vultures pretending to be journalists. Ever son of a bitch who aims to be a journalist makes money out of it. And if he is killed, he is glorified because he’s a journalist”.
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On the other hand, there are speculations about the statement of Duterte which allegedly indicates that he defies Freedom Of Information which was known pushed by the mayor during the elections.
The freedom Of Information’s objective is for transparency of the government transactions and activity. Hence, Duterte’s statement to kill journalism goes the opposite direction according to some.
Would the president continue to support the FOI and fulfill his promise during the election period to issue an Executive Order (EO) and implement the said bill despite his challenges to the media to kill journalism?