All is well between President Rodrigo Duterte and members of the media? We’re not a hundred percent sure, but this is a good sign.
The tough-talking leader on Monday invited journalists to have dinner with him in the Malacañang Palace, ABS-CBN News reports.
Present at the event were ABS-CBN’s Doris Bigornia, GMA Network’s Cedric Castillo and Ian Cruz, CNN Philippines’ Ina Andolong, Rappler’s Pia Ranada, and TV5’s Mia Reyes. Also present were the President’s partner, Honeylet Avanceña, and his trusted aide, Bong Go.
Post SONA pic: Ms Honeylet Avanceña and Sec Bong Go with reporters in Malacañang pic.twitter.com/wsnkEQ1dpI
— Doris Bigornia (@DorisBigornia) July 26, 2016
It may be recalled that after winning the presidency, Duterte was criticized for his statement about corrupt journalists being killed in the Philippines.
Last month, the President announced that he will no longer grant press briefings because his statements were taken out of context.
It looks like things may be turning for the better.
The journalists were given a tour of his official residence, Bahay ng Pagbabago (formerly Bahay Pangarap). The President also discussed major points of his SONA, and his stand on the Paris climate agreement and the South China Sea dispute.
No, the Pres wasn't giving utensil lessons to media. Carbon emission & WPS were the topics. pic.twitter.com/ztErnNg5WN
— Doris Bigornia (@DorisBigornia) July 26, 2016
Pres Duterte gives media a tour of Bahay Pagbabago#afterSONA pic.twitter.com/MylLiT5fSI
— Doris Bigornia (@DorisBigornia) July 26, 2016
The good news for members of the media? The President announced that the Palace is working on an administrative order addressing media killings.
Article Source: manila.coconuts.co