The president of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte has invited citizens to 'shoot but not kill' any corrupt public officials they encounter.

The president, 74, said if anyone witnesses officials taking bribes and shoots them he can promise them immunity from prosecution - but only if the victim survives.

In a speech made during his visit to Bataan on Thursday, the president suggested shooting corrupt officials in the foot to avoid a prison sentence and offered to defend such action.

In a speech made during his visit to Bataan Thursday, the president (pictured) urged people to attack corrupt officials - but warned there may be no pardon if the victim dies

Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte (pictured) said if anyone witnesses officials taking bribes and shoots them he can promise them immunity from prosecution

He said: 'If you pay a tax, a fee or get a certificate, and the officials ask for a bribe, hit them. If you have weapons, you can shoot them, but don't kill, because during the proceedings you may not receive a pardon.'

'Don't kill them because you might end up getting embroiled with those given pardon after computation. Just the foot.

'It will only be serious physical injuries. You'll be placed on probation. You'll just report to probation officer. At least you shot a foolish thief and I will defend you.'

The outspoken leader added that those who take him up on the offer 'will not be sent to prison, but will only be seriously punished physically.'

The president appealed to the public to assert their rights, and report any corruption or abuse involving a government official or worker.

The outspoken president (pictured) appealed to the public to assert their rights, and report any corruption or abuse involving a government official or worker

He said if the corruption incident reaches his office, he would summon the concerned official and let the complaint slap him or her in the face in front of him.

The United Nations adopted a resolution in July this year calling for a full-scale investigation into the drug war in the Philippines, which is a key part of Duterte's domestic policy.

Duterte has long faced criticism over police forces when it comes to fighting drug trafficking.

Several human rights NGOs and opposition figures have accused the president of extrajudicial killings of suspects in drug-related cases, calling on the president to stop the violent hunt for drug lords.