Duterte tells media: 'I'm not your enemy'

DESPITE a love-hate relationship with the media, President Rodrigo Duterte hosted a Christmas party for Malacañang reporters, cameramen, and photographers Tuesday night, December 12,

It was the first time that Duterte broke bread and exchanged pleasantries with Palace reporters since he assumed office in July 2016.

The tough-talking leader was cordial and assured the media that he is not their enemy.

Addressing the Palace journalists, Duterte said he may seem hostile but he respects the media's right to press freedom.

"Never mind about our relations. It's always adversarial. We don't have ill-feelings toward each other. We do not fight with each other. I do not hate anybody here or else, I would not be inviting you to my place," the President said.

"I am not your enemy. Your quest for truth, that is your business, not mine. At the end of the day, it's not my property. It's just public interest," he added.

In previous spontaneous remarks, the President has been critical of the media, whom he has often accused of being biased.

Duterte said he may not agree with some of the journalists' news stories but recognized that there were always two sides to the story.

"Your truth is not my truth and everybody's truth. There are always two sides of the coin -my truth, your truth, and the public perception," he said.

"In the meantime, we have work to do. You have your mandate. I have my task. If we happen to meet at a corner and agree, it would be good. But if we find ourselves in disagreement, that is part of our territory," he added.

During the Christmas party, Duterte took time to reach out to each Palace reporter, cameraman, and photographer.

He also unprecedentedly told the media that he would be elated to be their "friend."

"I will be glad to be your friend forever," the President told the press.

The festive occassion also paved way for several performances by the President and his appointees who also graced the gathering.

Duterte amused the media as they heard a live rendition of his favorite songs "Ikaw" and "You Raise Me Up."

For the first time, the President's special assistant, Christoper "Bong" Go likewise entertained the audience as he sang around five songs, including "Superman" by Five for Fighting that is dedicated to Duterte.

"It's not easy to be Mayor Duterte," Go, who is always seen beside the President, said.

Presidential Spokes- person Harry Roque Jr. set an ecstatic mood when he belted out Eraserheads' "O Pare Ko."

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar also showcased his talent in singing when he sang "New York, New York" by Frank Sinatra.

After singing, the 72year-old president was also in the mood to dance with Communications Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy.

Also present at the event were Communications Undersecretary Mia Reyes and Communications Assistant Secretaries Jun Loyola and Bam Garcia. (SunStar Philippines/Ruth Abbey Gita)