TLDR;
This interview with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte covers his controversial war on drugs, his background, and his foreign policy, particularly concerning the South China Sea and relations with the United States and China. Duterte defends his brutal approach to drugs, citing the need to protect future generations, and addresses concerns about human rights and vigilante killings. He also discusses his plans to negotiate with China regarding the disputed territories, emphasizing that he will not give up any Philippine territory.
- Duterte defends his war on drugs as necessary to protect future generations.
- He addresses concerns about human rights and vigilante killings.
- Duterte plans to negotiate with China regarding disputed territories but insists he will not concede any Philippine territory.
Early Life and Influences [0:03]
Rodrigo Duterte discusses his upbringing in a politically active family, with his father serving as governor and his mother as a freedom fighter against Ferdinand Marcos. He says that growing up in this environment profoundly shaped his outlook. Duterte also reveals that he was sexually abused by a priest as a child, which significantly influenced his beliefs, character, and how he views and assesses the world.
War on Drugs [2:35]
Duterte defends his war on drugs, citing the large number of people affected and the need to protect the next generation. He acknowledges that some deaths may not have been legitimate but argues that threatening criminals with death is not a crime in his country. Duterte claims there are millions of drug addicts in the Philippines and that he must act to prevent the country's destruction. He addresses concerns about innocent people killed, stating that police are justified in using deadly force when faced with armed criminals, comparing it to collateral damage in military operations.
Judicial System and Vigilante Killings [6:57]
Duterte affirms his belief in the country's judicial system, promising that the law will be followed. He acknowledges the issue of judges being threatened or bribed in drug cases. While denying that he encourages vigilante killings, Duterte states that he cannot control them and focuses on protecting law-abiding citizens. He says that criminals killed by vigilantes are not his problem, his priority is the safety of law-abiding citizens.
Rehabilitation and Human Rights [9:44]
Duterte explains the lack of funds for rehabilitation centers, stating that the budget prepared by his predecessor did not allocate enough money for this purpose. He defends his disregard for human rights by saying he prioritizes intimidating criminals to ensure the safety and well-being of the general population. Duterte says that he is willing to strike fear in criminals to protect the next generation, even if it involves human rights violations.
Impeachment and International Court [12:48]
Duterte addresses the possibility of impeachment or being tried in the International Court, stating that he must first be proven to have committed a crime in his country. He defends his threats against those who destroy the country, considering it a legitimate statement. Duterte says that he is not worried about the consequences and does not make projections about vigilante killings.
Medicinal Marijuana and South China Sea [16:14]
Duterte expresses his support for medicinal marijuana, pending official certification by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration. He addresses his campaign promise to ride a jet ski to the disputed territory in the South China Sea, clarifying it was a hyperbole to emphasize that the Philippines will not give up any territory. Duterte says that he cannot give up the territory and can only negotiate to prevent war.
Negotiations with China [18:32]
Duterte discusses his upcoming trip to China to negotiate regarding the South China Sea dispute. He says that it would be arrogant to go there and fight for this and that. He guarantees that he will not give up fighting for the Spratlys and Scarborough Shoal if they are Philippine territory. Duterte hopes to discuss trade, commerce, and a possible compromise regarding entitlements in the China Sea. He also intends to discuss the war on drugs, acknowledging that many drugs entering the Philippines come from China.
Distancing from the United States [22:43]
The interview concludes with a mention of Duterte's move away from the United States, with the discussion set to continue in the next episode.