By Argyll Cyrus Geducos President Duterte renewed his stern warning against those involved in illegal drugs trade that he would do whatever it takes to put an end to it. In a speech at the Manila Hotel on Tuesday, the President reiterated that many people are suffering because drugs made them useless, their families dysfunctional, and gave them a life of sorrow and pain. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the General Assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines held at the Manila Hotel in Manila on February 26, 2019.
(SIMEON CELI/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) According to the President, he will make sure to use the rest of his term to stop the illegal drug trade. "Droga, ayaw ninyong huminto dito sa Maynila? Patayin ko kayo. No apologies. No prayers for you (You don't want to stop the drugs trade here in Manila? I will kill you. No apologies. No prayers for you)," he said. "I have three years. I will kill you," he added. Duterte then made an appeal anew to drug addicts to stop using drugs while they still can. "If you have good sense, if you are now into drugs, drop it. Stop. Wala tayong problema sa bayang ito. Bitawan mo lang (We will not have a problem in this country as long as you drop the drugs habit)," he said. "The last three years of my term would be the most dangerous years for people who are into drugs. Kaya ‘wag na ‘wag ka talagang pumasok sa droga (So do not even think of getting into drugs)," he added. Duterte reiterated that he is ready to face the consequences of his actions which he said are rooted on his desire to give a better country to the people. "Everybody is put on notice na handa akong mamatay, handa akong makulong, handa akong (that I am ready to die, I am ready to go to jail)… I will rot somewhere," he said. "But I’m ready to face the consequences and maybe that would be my destiny," he added. Last week, Duterte made a vow to see to the end his war against drugs, saying that his campaign would be much harsher, and possibly, even bloodier. "I’m posing this challenge. Nandito lahat ang networks eh. Tapusin na natin ito (After all the TV networks are all here. We will finish this now). I’ll make you that solemn promise," he said.