Go ahead, criticize me.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday told members of the media not to hesitate in criticizing him “if I do wrong in my job.”

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“Do not hesitate to attack me, criticize me, if I do wrong in my job,” Duterte told reporters, after being asked if he is angry at journalists,” Duterte told reporters at the Davao International Airport after his arrival from Indonesia.

During the press conference, the President was asked if he was angry at the media after he made headlines over his “strong comments” prior to his departure to the Asean Summit in Vientiene, Laos.

READ: Duterte to Obama: Don’t lecture me on rights, PH not a US colony

“I am not at liberty to be angry at anybody. It is your sworn duty to ask questions. It is also my obligation to my people for the money spent in this trip and for all the things that cost the Filipino, I have to make an official report. Wala akong galit sa inyo (I have no gripe against you),” he said.

Duterte also mentioned the crucial role of media in history.

“Every time you press that button in your camera, you record history of this country kaya importante kayo (that’s why you are important),” he said, adding the media’s duty to report “true and accurate” stories.

“Saludo ako (sa inyo) (I salute you),” he added.

Duterte previously had a rocky relationship with the media, whom he accused of “slanting” his statements to crucify him. CDG

READ: Duterte on Obama ‘slur’: I never made statement; it’s media spin

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