Rodrigo Duterte on drugs, death and diplomacy | Talk to Al Jazeera

Summary

In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte discusses his controversial war on drugs, which has seen over 3,500 deaths, emphasizing the need to protect future generations. He addresses allegations of human rights abuses, stating his commitment to preserving the nation's youth. Duterte also touches on his country's foreign policy, including strained relations with the US and potential engagement with China, while asserting the Philippines' rights over disputed territories in the South China Sea.

Takeaways

• 🇵🇭 Rodrigo Duterte emphasizes his commitment to the war on drugs, stating it is necessary to save the next generation from drug addiction.
• 🏛 Duterte discusses his background, including his politically inclined family and the impact of his early life experiences on his current views.
• 🔫 He acknowledges the deaths of 3,500 people in the drug war, but argues that it is a necessary measure to protect the country's youth.
• 🚨 Duterte denies encouraging vigilante killings, but admits that he has threatened criminals with death.
• 🏥 He expresses the lack of funds for rehabilitation centers, blaming the previous administration for not allocating resources for this issue.
• ⚖️ Duterte questions the effectiveness of the judicial system in dealing with drug cases, citing low conviction rates.
• 🌎 He discusses the Philippines' foreign policy, including his approach to China and the South China Sea dispute.
• 🏝️ Duterte clarifies that he will not give up any territory in the South China Sea, but is open to negotiations to prevent conflict.
• 🌿 He expresses openness to the idea of medicinal marijuana if it is certified by the appropriate authorities.
• 🤝 Duterte indicates a shift in foreign policy, distancing from the United States and seeking warmer relations with China.

Q & A

What is the main controversy surrounding President Rodrigo Duterte's presidency?

The main controversy is Duterte's war on drugs, which has resulted in the killing of thousands of people, sparking international concern and criticism.

How has Duterte's background influenced his approach to governance?

Duterte's upbringing in a politically inclined family, with a father who was a governor and a mother who was a freedom fighter, has profoundly shaped his outlook on politics and governance.

What was Duterte's response to the issue of extrajudicial killings in the context of the war on drugs?

Duterte acknowledged the killings but justified them as necessary to protect the country's future, arguing that the sheer number of drug addicts could destroy the next generation.

How does Duterte view the role of the judicial system in addressing the drug problem?

Duterte expressed frustration with the judicial system, noting the lack of convictions in drug cases and suggesting that the system is not effectively addressing the drug problem.

What is Duterte's stance on human rights in relation to his war on drugs?

Duterte has stated that he does not care about what human rights advocates say and that his priority is to preserve the future of the country's youth, even if it involves violating human rights standards.

Does Duterte believe in rehabilitation as a solution to the drug problem?

While Duterte acknowledges the need for rehabilitation, he also emphasizes the magnitude of the drug problem and the limitations of the budget allocated for such programs.

What is Duterte's position on medicinal marijuana?

Duterte is open to the idea of medicinal marijuana if it is certified by the Food and Drug Administration as beneficial and is used for legitimate medical purposes.

How does Duterte plan to approach his relationship with China, especially concerning the South China Sea dispute?

Duterte intends to engage in dialogue with China, seeking a peaceful resolution and compromise without giving up Philippine claims, while also acknowledging the limitations set by the Constitution.

What was Duterte's explanation for his previous statement about riding a jet ski to plant the Philippine flag in the disputed territory?

Duterte clarified that the jet ski statement was a hyperbole to emphasize his determination not to give up on the disputed territory, not a literal plan of action.

How does Duterte view the relationship between the Philippines and the United States?

Duterte has expressed a desire to distance the Philippines from the United States, its long-standing ally, possibly due to differences in foreign policy and a shift towards a more independent foreign policy stance.

Outlines

00:00

🏛️ Presidential Palace Interview with Rodrigo Duterte

The interview takes place in Manila's Presidential Palace, where Rodrigo Duterte discusses his first 100 days in office. Duterte, known for his controversial war on drugs and foreign policy, talks about his background, including his politically inclined family and the impact of his experiences on his political outlook. He addresses the war on drugs, explaining the rationale behind it and his stance on the killing of drug users and dealers. Duterte also touches on the issue of vigilante killings and his commitment to preserving the next generation from the drug problem.

05:03

🔍 Duterte's Stance on the War on Drugs and Legal System

Duterte elaborates on the collateral damage caused by his war on drugs, comparing it to similar situations in the United States and other countries. He defends the actions of the police and the necessity of their operations, despite the civilian casualties. The conversation shifts to the Philippine legal system, with Duterte expressing his belief in the system but also acknowledging the prevalence of drug-related crimes and the challenges in addressing them through the courts. He denies encouraging vigilante killings but admits that he cannot control all actions taken by citizens in response to the drug problem.

10:06

🏥 Rehabilitation and Duterte's Presidential Challenges

The discussion moves to the topic of rehabilitation for drug addicts, with Duterte highlighting the lack of funds and resources to build rehab facilities due to the budget constraints left by his predecessor. He criticizes the previous administration for not addressing the drug problem adequately and expresses his commitment to protecting the youth of the Philippines. Duterte also touches on the issue of medicinal marijuana, stating that he is open to its legalization if certified by the appropriate authorities.

15:08

🌊 Duterte on South China Sea Dispute and Foreign Policy

Duterte addresses his controversial statement about riding a jet ski to the disputed territory in the South China Sea, clarifying that it was a hyperbolic expression of his determination to defend Philippine territory. He emphasizes that he cannot give up any territory, as it is against the Philippine Constitution. Duterte also discusses his approach to foreign policy, particularly in relation to China, stating that he is open to negotiations and talks to prevent war and find a peaceful resolution to territorial disputes.

20:09

🤝 Duterte's Upcoming China Visit and Relations with the US

In the final paragraph, Duterte talks about his upcoming visit to China and his intentions for the trip. He clarifies that he will not be negotiating from a position of weakness and that he is committed to protecting Philippine interests. Duterte also discusses his decision to distance the Philippines from its long-standing ally, the United States, suggesting a shift in foreign policy towards a more independent stance. The interview concludes with a teaser for the continuation of the conversation in the next episode.

Keywords

💡Rodrigo Duterte

Rodrigo Duterte is the 16th President of the Philippines, known for his controversial policies and statements. His presidency is a central theme in the video, with discussions on his war on drugs, foreign policy, and relations with other nations. The script references his tenure, highlighting his approach to governance and the challenges he faces, such as the war on drugs and international relations.

💡War on Drugs

The 'War on Drugs' refers to Duterte's aggressive campaign against illegal drugs, which has been marked by a high number of deaths and controversy. The video discusses this policy extensively, mentioning the killing of thousands of people and Duterte's rationale for the campaign, which he believes is necessary to protect the next generation from the drug epidemic.

💡Controversy

Controversy is a recurring theme in the video, particularly in relation to Duterte's war on drugs and his statements on human rights. The script illustrates how Duterte's actions and words have sparked debate and criticism both domestically and internationally, with the video exploring his perspective on these controversies.

💡Human Rights

Human rights are mentioned in the context of Duterte's war on drugs and his perceived disregard for them. The video discusses how his approach to combating drug use has been criticized for violating human rights norms, with Duterte himself acknowledging this tension and expressing his prioritization of public safety over certain human rights considerations.

💡Foreign Policy

Foreign policy is a key concept in the video, as it pertains to Duterte's approach to international relations, particularly with the United States and China. The script touches on his efforts to redefine the Philippines' relationships with these powers, indicating a shift in traditional alliances and a reevaluation of national interests.

💡South China Sea

The South China Sea is a significant geopolitical issue discussed in the video, involving territorial disputes between the Philippines and China. Duterte's stance on this matter is highlighted, showing his commitment to defending Philippine claims while also expressing a willingness to engage in dialogue and negotiation.

💡Vigilante Killings

Vigilante killings are a critical aspect of the war on drugs narrative, where extrajudicial killings by non-state actors are discussed. The video mentions these killings and Duterte's alleged encouragement of them, raising questions about the rule of law and the implications for society.

💡Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is discussed as a potential solution to the drug problem, contrasting with Duterte's hardline approach. The video mentions the lack of resources and political will to invest in rehabilitation centers, suggesting an alternative to the war on drugs that focuses on treatment and recovery.

💡Medicinal Marijuana

Medicinal marijuana is brought up in the context of Duterte's openness to considering alternative approaches to drug policy. The video notes his willingness to entertain the idea of legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes, provided it is certified as beneficial by relevant health authorities.

💡International Relations

International relations are a central theme, focusing on Duterte's efforts to navigate the complex dynamics between the Philippines, the United States, and China. The video explores how Duterte's policies and statements have impacted these relationships, reflecting a broader shift in the region's geopolitical landscape.

💡Constitution

The Constitution of the Philippines is mentioned in relation to Duterte's duties and the limits of his power, particularly concerning territorial claims and human rights. The video highlights how Duterte's actions and statements are measured against the principles and provisions of the Constitution, emphasizing the importance of constitutional governance.

Highlights

Rodrigo Duterte discusses his controversial war on drugs, which has seen over 3,500 deaths.

Duterte's upbringing in a politically inclined family and its influence on his views.

The president's response to allegations of sexual abuse by a priest during his childhood.

Duterte's stance on the judicial system and the prevalence of drug cases without convictions.

The president's denial of encouraging vigilante killings in the context of the drug war.

Duterte's perspective on the collateral damage of the drug war, comparing it to US military actions.

The president's commitment to protecting the next generation from the drug problem.

Duterte's views on the lack of budget for rehabilitation centers and his predecessor's role.

The president's take on medicinal marijuana and its potential legalization.

Duterte's clarification on his hyperbolic statement about riding a jet ski to the disputed territory.

The president's stance on territorial disputes in the South China Sea and his approach to China.

Duterte's defense against critics who claim he is negotiating from a position of weakness with China.

The president's emphasis on the importance of dialogue and courtesy in international relations, particularly with China.

Duterte's plans for his upcoming visit to China and the topics he intends to discuss.

The president's distancing of the Philippines from the United States and his reasoning behind it.

Duterte's final thoughts on his presidency and the challenges he faces in managing the drug crisis and foreign relations.

Transcripts

we're in the presidential palace in

Manila where it's just over 100 days

into the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte

in an exclusive first interview since he

was sworn in we talked to him about his

controversial war on drugs and foreign

policy including deteriorating relations

with the United States and potentially

warming relations with China the

president of the Republic of the

Philippines

Rodrigo Rojo detected talks to

al-jazeera mr. president thank you for

talking to Al Jazeera it's been a

tumultuous start to the presidency for

you full of controversy particularly

about the war on drugs but first let's

start with your background you were

raised in a politically inclined family

your father was a governor your mother

was a freedom fighter during the reign

of former President Ferdinand Marcos how

was that affected your outlook

profoundly I would say I grew up in a

environment of politics and as

politicians we tend to you know we go by

the issues of the day the big was the

road of fact the conditions economy and

all especially the political issues and

what my father was governor for 10 years

or more but when he died

I was I was then a prosecutor and when

the revolution came my mother was one of

the stalwarts of the opposition against

Marco you also had some difficult times

when you were younger as a child you

have revealed that you were sexually

abused by a priest it has that shaped

your beliefs is that shaped helped to

shape who you are now yes the large

extent actually it's uh what you get

along the way that shapes your character

especially and even you're at that time

even your politics and uh how you look

at the world and how you should

assess them by the standards of use in

school and in growing up the things that

you pick up along the way he said sorts

of a blend into a coalition it blends it

to something which is big can be said

forming your own values in life let's

talk about the war on drugs now three

and a half thousand people have been

killed so far it seems like the whole

world is talking about it at the moment

the Philippines seems to have so many

problems so why launch what is a brutal

war on drugs because the sheer number of

people contaminated will pull them play

country now it will destroy the next

generation of Latinos you know this

lives lost some of them were lost during

legitimate encounters with the police

but the fact is at the moment we have

three and a half thousand people killed

and you yourself alluded to just then

that perhaps some of them weren't

legitimate targets you know there is no

crime at all when you threaten criminals

with death in my country at least there

is no law which says I can have

threatened criminals and that was the

favorite but of course the de clichy

that they used it became a cliche over

time and when I was president I said we

have three million according to Padilla

three million drug addicts not counting

mine because it's still going on so I

said if we do not end up dick this

problem the next generation will be

having a serious problem and I found

that again same you destroy my country

I'll kill you and it's a legitimate

thing if you destroy our young children

I will kill you that is

a very correct statement there is

nothing wrong in trying to preserve the

interest of the next generation that

three million addicts it's not they are

not a residence of one compact area or

contiguous place they're spread all over

the country and by the sheer number

because if you are a user you must push

unless you are the son of a millionaire

or because you have to sustain your

addiction by getting another financier

for you and then at the next financier

will have to get a new victim to finance

that's what it became that is how drugs

is a spread but it was not until I

became president that the widespread and

the magnitude of the problem became

really a serious issue so what about the

children and the innocent people have

been killed this is bad so will those

cases be investigated you give up do you

promise that all those but let me tell

you this is the law of my my London here

is a police here is a gangster his arm

between m16 because they're only a

pistol but when they meet the exchanged

fire with the police with an m16 it's

one bus prep and hits 1000 people there

under die this is criminal liability

it could not be negligence because you

have to save your life

it could not be recklessness because you

have to defend yourself just like when

the United States and the rest of the

country when you bomb the building's you

intend to kill the militants but you

kill in the process the children there

it's only how it is explained and we are

you know people judged best when they

condemn so you would always flip place

you in a bad light but the situation

does not comfort it and it explains the

reason why until now I have yet to hear

an apology for those who have in Vietnam

in Afghanistan never mind about the

militants kill them we will but then in

depressive to families hospital or as

collateral damage then why is it

it is equilateral damage the West and to

us it is murder you went to law school

yeah you worked hard to be part of the

legal system you are a lawyer by

profession good and you were a

prosecutor for many years

yes do you still believe in the

country's judicial system right now I

should believe in the system because I

will guarantee this time that they law

this way there are judges here in Manila

more than 1000 cases no conviction at

all of a drug case that is where punish

blows the well maybe savagery

threatening people on both sides that is

how it is played here that's why we are

this miserable thing about the drug

problem no but do you agree do you

acknowledge that you have encouraged

vigilante killings no I said I will kill

you if I encourage fine yes but the

point is that people can get away with

murder right now and you know that some

of the killings are not legitimate well

so do you think that there might be

cases of people settling old scores out

there and dessert and disguising them as

the war on drugs I do not play with

conjectures I do not make assumptions I

just say what I should be saying as a

precedent under Samiha

now if the criminals they are killed by

the thousands that's not my problem

my problem is how to take care of the

law-abiding god-fearing young persons of

this Republic because they are resources

strictly speaking you do cannot find any

redeeming factor in being you know the

criminals are there there for what the

other for the just like the cartel in

maximum if you have read young litleo

this is how the cookie crumbles

exactly

so when I make a purchase I will kill

you because MDMA or I am the president

now if the Vigilant they will take over

but you know I cannot control it I

cannot be God and control everything

okay you just kill these guys or you

wait for the courts do that well you can

encourage good policing and you can

encourage justice and trust in the

judicial system but when I was

campaigning as a president the drug

problem was already reaching by the

millions well 3 million is 3 million now

during my time we have started to count

we are nearing now the 800 mark 800,000

by the year end ends I would have about

also a million so I have 4 million drug

addict do you think that's that's an

easy number No so why not put all the

energy into rehabilitation what do you

find it reforming health care ok oh uh

gun company we cut this for a while I

just heard a soldier ok ok hit up again

appeal newspaper Capone he wants to show

you the news oh sure sure enough okay so

you were saying about this facility sir

what is this about this is a rehab

facility built by somebody this is what

they click rided you know the third day

he should have built harihar houses

instead of killing the criminals the

drug lords you know this would cost

millions I entered the presidency of the

Republic of the Philippines mid theorem

there is nothing at all left in the

budget for this year which was prepared

by my predecessor which was also

prepared the other year to be

implemented this year the implementation

does not contain any money because

nobody until I became president of this

country nobody realized how widespread

how dimensional it was

sir in the past during the campaign and

weeks into your presidency you have

repeatedly said that you have no regard

for human rights but human rights is

actually part of the Constitution and as

a head of state it is also part your

duty to uphold the Constitution how does

that connect

I would rather intimidate and strike

fear in the hearts of the criminals just

like what happened in Davao when finally

you can walk the streets walk about in

the streets at night and you can eat

anywhere at any time and nobody but

nobody would bother you it's happening

dabao Davao City is in the midst of

Mindanao it's Robert lon but I can

assure you as plenty of people have been

there it's a destination for conventions

and conferences international it's

always elected so it's booming it is a

little bit rich than the others why

because we can live or knives or lives

normally and of course business contract

so that when I said I do not care about

what the human rights guys say I have a

duty to preserve the generation if it

involves human rights I don't give a

[ __ ] I have to strike fear because I

have I said the intimus of the states

are out there to destroy the children

are you not worried about possible

ramifications in the future for you a

possible impeachment or being tried in

the international court good question

before you can begin you must determine

that I have committed the crime in my

country that I have committed mass

murders in my country and then charged

with them there can be no ratification

when I say that I will kill you if you

destroy my London it's illegitimate it

says it's a legitimate statement the

of any general of any work I'm president

of ad tribal leader to say those things

of course you said there could be

consequences but I am not worried about

this thing I do not make any projections

how many vigilante killings well if you

compare the four million to the to the

three thousand - legitimate encounters

between the law enforcers and the

criminals give give or take even a half

of it so what is it - the lives already

lost I have four million addicts to take

care of and I have been criticized I

would say well why don't just you know

the dirt they build rehab centers and

just place them there when ready to kill

him look I am embed term president in

the sense that I entered this year the

presidency the only this year the budget

for this year was prepared by my

predecessor so Aquino and it binds me

because it would last until December

nowhere in this budget provides enough

money to build even two buildings Aubry

hub structures it's all what is left of

my government now after the election is

just enough for the M or e or e

maintenance and all so he sings you not

know capital outlays the budget of

President Aquino for this year the last

six months does not include any

rehabilitation because the problem was

there but there was nobody minding the

store I was the only mayor brave enough

to say those things

so my seat City well got the benefits of

a peaceful place where you can

where you can eat work safely but the

others we did not know but they allowed

so many administration's

to flourish and it was done until I

became president between you realized

that there were already according to at

the time those generals generals and

cello of the Padilla Philippine Drug

Enforcement Agency that there are

already three million addicts so never

mind my counting because I'm still

counting up to the end of the year are

you in favor of medicinal marijuana yes

but that is a very long process it has

to be something like being officially

certified by the food and drugs of the

Philippines and it must have this

qualifying you know activity where it's

being used to find out if it's really a

medicinal or if it can do something good

for the body but should consider it

you'd consider it legalization of it for

example III I'm not the authority for

that it's the Food and Drug

Administration which I said it's good

okay if it is certified by the

government that it's good fine no

problem I don't think anyone could deny

doesn't matter how controversial it is

that you've delivered on your election

campaign promise to crackdown on drugs

one thing you haven't delivered on yet

is your promise to ride a jet ski out to

the disputed territory in the South

China Sea and plant the Philippine flag

on there now many people many voters I

assume took that as a sign that you were

going to be tough on China in that

disputed territory in the South China

Sea or the West Philippine Sea but you

haven't been why you really think that I

would go there riding I don't even own a

jet no I don't but if people perceive

that as a sign that you were going to

get tough with it I was a hyperbola

literally table you cannot expect oh

right I don't even know how to swim

and if it overturns and you lose a

president along the way so why did you

say that then what were you referring

here a hyperbola to stress a point that

we

will not we will not give up anything

there but your statements recently tend

to indicate that you are willing to give

up some territory there no it does our

nobody is going to give up my Madrid the

readjustment I thought that it's enough

able you cannot I cannot give it up

nobody can give it up nobody in the

Constitution allows anybody to give it

up

even the president cannot give it up

those are our entitlements this is an

island everybody every country in this

world is given its own fishpond that's

your Fishman where you get to fish the

shares and everything you cannot give it

up you can only negotiate to prevent war

remember that we're ok I'll push your

logic to the logical conclusion we have

this judgment right two things I can do

I can go into a rage because it's being

occupied but remember it is not a

sovereign and it is there is the

entitlement attached to it if the

sovereignty okay the order is to go into

a rage and fight and the other is the

top what do you think will happen to my

country if I choose to go to work a

fight alone oh I would call upon the

other countries to help me who who died

for my country except us so we can only

talk and that's why they invited me for

talks I will go but I will go with this

paper a blank she's a president yeah I

said this is the award I cannot go out

beyond the boundaries of this paper come

on let's talk let's begin here the

Philippines want a landmark case against

China unprecedented in recent history a

smaller country standing up to a

superpower it declared the nine - claim

of China invalid

now you're going to China and you've

mentioned previously you said that you

will not insist on the position of the

Philippines on the Scarborough Shoal now

your critics are questioning why it

seems you're going to China and

negotiating from a position of weakness

rather than abstract it would be

arrogant to me to go there and say I'm

going there to fight for this and that

you know there's much to be learned in

history and even in the books and the

way the orientalis places the words in

small especially the Chinese you have to

go there with a little bit of courtesy

but when you are already in front which

are Ghana then I said this is it we do

not do what would be I go what would be

the purpose in going there without for

what but you can guarantee to the

Philippine people that you are not going

to sign away or give up hope of give up

fighting for the Spratlys Scarborough

Shoal if they are Philippine territory

nobody but nobody not even the president

of this country can give up the claim

you're not allowed to do that that this

one's sure we are going to impeachment

but can you guarantee that you will

fight - yeah - nobody is going to give

up anything that I said if the

Constitution does not allow you then who

can they're not even your mouth as

that's how it is what do you see hoping

to do when you go to China

well maybe we talk about I would no no I

would that put the wherewithal so we

would start then the judgmental thing

would come come in - for then some other

matters of both trade and commerce and

if there's any arrangement is going to

come it or happy compromise 10 per week

we can talk about entitlements of the

China Sea but really I cannot predict on

on any solid thing to talk about

until em though so uh I am not there

until I am there will you discuss the

war on drugs because records show that a

lot of the drugs coming into the

Philippines are coming from China

understand it that's why I'd like to

help but you're not china knows you

democracy I mean the Communist is just

something which is just you think to go

buy keep control but everything there is

a free enterprise

having said that mr. president you have

clearly moved away from the United

States why do you think it is necessary

for the country to distance itself from

its long-standing ally in Asia our

exclusive interview with the Filipino

president Rodrigo Duterte will continue

on the next episode of talk to Al

Jazeera