Former President Rodrigo Duterte reiterated his strong stance against illegal drugs, defending his approach to combating drug-related issues during his Presidency.
"You know, I was just telling the truth. Sinabi ko given the chance na maging pangulo ulit ako, gagawin ko pa rin iyon," Duterte said in an exclusive interview with DZRH's Damdaming Bayan on Tuesday.
"My mandate as President of the republic was to protect the country and the Filipino people," he added.
He stated that no one should question his policies, as he offers no apologies or excuses; he did what he believed was necessary.
According to Duterte, the war on illegal drugs is not about taking lives; it is about protecting the innocent and defenseless.
Furthermore, he emphasized that the war on drugs aims to eradicate illegal substances like shabu, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and party drugs, as these substances destroy individuals, families, communities, and relationships.
"Itong mga critics ko, their concern is human rights. My concern is human life. Mahirap bang intindihin iyon?" said Duterte.
Duterte's take on Senator Risa Hontiveros' statement
The former President remarked that Hontiveros finds it easy to voice her opinions because she has never served in an executive role, such as mayor or president.
He suggested that if they were in executive positions and understood the mandate to implement laws and protect people from criminals, perhaps they would comprehend his perspective.
"Takot din silang ipa-ano ako sa ICC. Marami akong alam. Kung itong ICC na iyan i-prosecute man [ako], I know that there are people behind all that," Duterte said.
"Pag ako galawin, away away tayo," he added.
Meanwhile, Duterte also mentioned that the fight against drugs is one of the reasons he eagerly anticipates returning as mayor of Davao, as he has opposed drugs since his time in office.
