Following allegations by Sen. Antonio Trillanes 4th that he has hidden wealth, President Rodrigo Duterte has urged the country’s Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to reveal his net worth.
Duterte has shrugged off Trillanes’ claim that from 2005 to 2016, Duterte and his family accumulated some P2.4 billion in bank accounts, reported Manila Times.
He reportedly challenged the senator to ask the AMLC to sue him, and repeated a vow to quit the presidency if the charges turned out to be true.
“It’s pure garbage but you know, I’m President. I’ve ordered AMLC and everybody to give information about what’s my worth in this, in terms of pesos in this planet. So I will not put you in shame,” Duterte was quoted as saying.
“No one from my children or not even me, I have not signed any voucher even for myself. I only receive a salary and that’s it. I do not accept my allowances. I don’t. I avoided it and it will be so until the end of my term,” he added.
“Just to make clear, it’s a matter of principle also and honor. I said during the campaign that if any of my family or even me would be involved in corruption in government, you can be sure you have my word, I will resign immediately.”
Trillanes first revealed Duterte’s alleged unexplained wealth during the campaign period for the 2016 polls, but despite the controversy, the former mayor of Davao City became the country’s 16th president after winning the elections be a wide margin, said the news portal.
On Saturday, Duterte reportedly urged alumni of the PMA to continue upholding the values of the institution amid his word war with Trillanes, a former navy officer and a PMA alumnus.
Duterte was quoted as saying by Manila Times that he believed the military would not taint its reputation, citing its “template of discipline and civility.”
“While I never pretended to be a saint, I know that righteousness and discipline are the foundation of the nation. That is why what I desire for the Philippines is a prosperous society that includes everyone – a peaceful law-abiding citizenry and people of different beliefs who choose to get along with one another,” Duterte reportedly said.
“That is why I appreciate the PMA. You have the template of discipline and civility. I ask that you continue this tradition and thank you for inviting me to be part of you,” the President added.
The Chief Executive reiterated his pledge to solve corruption during his six-year term, reported Manila Times.
