Duterte apologizes again for cursing Pope Francis, vows intolerance for murder of innocent civilians

Presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte.
(Photo courtesy of Duterte’s official Facebook page)

MANILA—PDP-LABAN standard bearer and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte reiterated his apology for cursing Pope Francis during his visit to Tuguegarao Archbishop Sergio Utleg.

Duterte’s visit to the Tuguegarao clergyman was a part of his campaign stop in the province of Cagayan on Wednesday.

The visit took place before his appearance at the University of Cagayan Valley where he was was warmly by faculty and students for his tough stance against illegal drugs.

He also told Archbishop Utleg that he will not tolerate the murder of innocent civilians.

“For the life of me, I can never take the life of an innocent person,” Duterte stressed.

In the same vein, the PDP-LABAN bet also underscored the “systematic victimization” of the Filipino people.

He deplored “under the table” practice or giving of grease money that has become a norm in getting and processing simple permits.

“Corruption, the victimization of the poor Filipinos, has already been a way of life. We must put an end to this problem,” Duterte stated.