Duterte open to ‘constructive dialogue’

President Duterte is willing to hold a constructive dialogue with groups voicing grievances against the government following the mass protests against his alleged creeping dictatorship.

“The President is the leader of all Filipinos,” presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said.

“We have always kept the doors open for constructive dialogue with the strategic sectors of society, including those who do not share the stance of the administration on certain issues,” Abella added.

Thousands of Filipinos recently rallied to denounce Presi-

dent Duterte’s bloody war on illegal drugs and his alleged authoritarian tendencies.

Joining the major show of dissent against Duterte were his political opponents, human rights advocates, and militant groups. The protests coincided with the 45th anniversary of martial law imposed by then President Ferdinand Marcos.

Apart from anti-administration protests, the President’s allies also mounted rallies in Manila to express support for his government.

Malacañang earlier said the National Day of Protest declared by the President was a healthy exercise of democracy and an opportunity for the government to hear the sentiment of the people.

Abella assured that government has a “healthy response” to the issues raised by the protesters. The rallies, he added, would be considered in the assessment of the government’s anti-drug operations.

The National day of Protest, Duterte said, would enable Filipinos to call against any excesses and shortcomings of the government and express their desire to uphold the highest standards of integrity, efficiency, and accountability in government.