By Argyll Geducos

President Duterte jested that if institutions want to recognize him for his deeds, they should just set him up on a date with a beautiful lady instead of giving him awards, saying he was done with all the accolades.

Duterte made the statement as he graced the 45th Philippine Business Conference and Expo at the Manila Hotel Thursday evening.

In his speech, Duterte shared that he recently received an honorary doctorate degree from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), the first recognition he received from a foreign country.

“In Russia when we were in the University, I received my doctorate. Binigyan ako ng doctorate degree. Hindi ko malaman kung mag-iyak ako o mag-tawa (The granted me a doctorate degree. I didn’t know if I should cry or laugh),” he narrated.

Duterte then explained that he does not like accepting awards for doing things that he is paid to do.

“As a matter of personal policy or conviction, I do not accept awards. The last time I can remember when I was solving a problem sa hostage-taking sa (a hostage crisis in) Davao and I offered myself,” he said.

“Some international body wanted to give me the award and I said, ‘No need. I do not accept awards. You know I am paid to do exactly what I did and if I die doing it, bayad na ako (I am already paid),'” he added.

Duterte then said that if institutions really want to recognize him, they should just set him up on a date with a beautiful lady.

“If you really want to award me or may remuneration na gusto niyo ibigay (there’s a remuneration you want to give), not the award. Set a date, a dinner date for me with the most beautiful lady in this room,” he jested.

“If . . .not the most beautiful lady, then the next beautiful lady, and the next beautiful lady, and I’m sure there’s always one. And I will be happy and I will remember you. If not, I will just forget you,” he added.

The honorary doctorate degree from the MGIMO was the first that Duterte accepted. In his speech at the said university in Moscow, Russia last October 5, the President said he lived by the principle of not accepting accolades for doing exactly what he was being paid for.

However, he said that he chose to accept the one from MGIMO because of how intertwined the Philippines and Russia are.

“Like Russia, the Philippines has always fought for its right to exist as a sovereign nation. Nothing was given to us for free. Our ancestors paid with their own blood for everything that we enjoy today,” Duterte said.

“During the bombing of Manila and the Siege of Leningrad, the brave and resilient Filipino and Russian spirits did not falter as thousands of our peoples died,” he added.

“Indeed, the Philippines and Russia have shared a historic past. That is why I am deeply honored to receive this distinction from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, a renowned institute that continues to shape your nation’s narrative,” he continued.