President Rodrigo Duterte has commended former Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for her brand of leadership, GMA News reported.
He said Arroyo was the “embodiment of strong political will.”
Duterte added that “no other chief executive in Philippine history comes close to President Arroyo’s example of carrying out decisive actions even if such actions would prove to be unpopular.”
“Indeed, her intuitive and hands-on leadership has carried our nation forward, especially during trying times,” he said during the appreciation dinner for Arroyo was hosted by the 17th Congress in Manila.
He recalled that Arroyo called in the wee hours of the morning to listen to him and she also sought his advice.
“I was there when you made the decision, one major crucial,” said Duterte, who did not provide details of the incident.
He also mentioned the time he “worked” for Arroyo.
Duterte said he did not kill anyone when he was still Davao City mayor, on Arroyo’s orders.
“Of course, wala akong pinatay na tao na utos niya. Pinatay ko na lang kasi feeling ko gusto niya,” he said.
Arroyo was detained in the hospital for four years on plunder charges stemming from the alleged misuse of P366-million intelligence funds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office during her term as president.
The Supreme Court acquitted Arroyo of the charges in July 2016, shortly after Duterte assumed presidency.
Arroyo was elected Speaker on July 23 last year, the day of the President’s third State of the Nation Address.
