Exclusive - Not A Dictator, But A Father: Baste Defends Duterte Against Critics

Baste Duterte, the youngest son of President Rodrigo Duterte, defended his father from his critics against allegations of an impending dictatorship and imposition martial law.

"They don't know him that well," the 28-year-old Duterte said. "They say he is a dictator. They say that if he wins the presidency, he will declare martial law. They say that he is a murderer. If that is true then I must have been raised by a different person because the Rodrigo Duterte that I know told me to go out and share my blessings," he continued. 

He mentioned to the press that President Duterte is really caring and always has a heart for the masses. 

He recalled his childhood days in Davao where he is always instructed by his father to share his toys with the unfortunate. He also mentioned that Duterte always instructed him to treat each other equally and fairly and that he should respect everyone. 

He added that Duterte, from the start, is not after the power that comes with the position. Rather, he wants to the Filipinos to unite and realize their fullest potential as a people and as a nation.

"My dad did not run since he needs to be the president of the Philippines. He ran since he needs to send us Filipinos a message, that there could be a superior tomorrow for every one of us. He is letting us know that we ought to connect with each other. He is letting us know that we need to contact grow humankind, particularly for poor people, the minimized and the debilitated."

Lastly, he said that his father would bever be a dictator and would instead be a loving father to all Filipinos. 

Aside from the martial law scare, Duterte is also widely criticized for his war on drugs and suspected extra-judicial killings. 

Source: TNP, Filipinewsph, Inquirer