Incoming president Rodrigo Duterte told reporters not to take all of his statements seriously, especially those that sound ridiculous.



In a press conference which started before midnight on Wednesday and finished early Thursday morning, Duterte advised Manila-based reporters to consult their Davao-based colleagues

when in doubt about whether he's serious or just joking.

If his answer sounds preposterous or ridiculous, Duterte suggested that Manila-based reporters confirm with the "guy dito sa tabi mo, taga Davao. [Ask him] 'Ano ba ito?' Sasabihin sa inyo, 'Niloloko lang kayo niyan.'"

Duterte went on to say that he is bipolar – a claim that, given his fair warning, should be taken with a grain of salt.

"Ako, palabas-masok ako sa bipolar. One moment seryoso ako, one moment tatapunan ko kayo ng biro," Duterte explained.

Duterte cited as an example his "preposterous" statement last Monday that he would only give a 5-minute inaugural speech after his oath-taking on June 30.

READ: Duterte to take oath in Palace, give 5-minute speech



Duterte has been criticized for several statements he made, which he later admitted to giving in jest.

In December 2015, Duterte said he has killed or ordered the killing of more than 1,700 people.

"Seven hundred daw ang pinatay ko? Nagkulang ho sila sa kwenta... Mga 1,700," he told reporters.

His statement was met with furor, with critics urging the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to launch an investigation into the alleged extrajudicial killings.

However, several days later, the long-time mayor said it was "pure sarcasm" when he said he had already executed a total of 1,700 people.

"That's pure sarcasm," he told DZMM. "Parang binabastos mo ako eh, 700, eh saan yung death certificates? Ipakita mo nga. Pati yung malaria diyan na bumagsak, sa akin."

During the campaign, Duterte also promised to resign if he cannot eliminate crime in 3 to 6 months, but later said he was just joking.