By Argyll Cyrus Geducos

President Duterte has lambasted the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) for its report on his family’s wealth, saying what they make outside politics is none of anybody’s business.

Duterte made the statement after the PCIJ published a report Thursday which claims that the President’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Networth (SALN) ballooned. The same is said for his first three children.

The PCIJ report said that some members of the Duterte family has unregistered law firms, and shares in companies they did not include in the SALNs.

In a speech in Iloilo City, Duterte said that what his family earns outside politics is none of anybody’s business.

“What we earned outside is none of your business, actually. Yung may mga negosyo kami, may mga law office kami (That we have businesses and law firms), what a goddamn shit,” he said Saturday night.

“You know, you have to have a law office because there is an election every three years. And it’s so short. Eh, kung matalo ka ngayong eleksyon na ito (What if you lose this election), where would you go?” he added.

According to Duterte, there is nothing wrong with a politician having a law firm as long as he does not practice the profession and does not give advice against the government.

“Yung mag-advertise kami sa pangalan namin, well there’s nothing wrong (There’s nothing wrong if we use our name). As long as you do not practice and you do not help people get something from government that is illegal,” he said.

“‘Yang mga law office namin (Our law firms) and what happened to our business partnership, it’s not your goddamn business. It’s my worry. For as long as it’s not the people’s money, I don’t give a shit,” he added.

Paid by enemies

Duterte accused the PCIJ of being paid by his enemies to come up with such report against his family.

“Makita mo yung utak ng mga investigative journalists na ‘yan. Pera-pera lang, binabayaran ‘yan kung ganoon kalalaki (You will really see how the mind of investigative journalists work. It’s all about money. They are paid with huge sums),” he said.