President Rodrigo Duterte. (Photo from an RTVM video)
MANILA, Philippines鈥擧e usually gives watches to policemen. But this time, it鈥檚 motorcycles.
President Rodrigo Duterte gifted three policemen who topped the motorcycle riding course with Yamaha motorcycles.
鈥淪ino yung pinaka, who is the number one rider here? Yung pinakasikat, the highest point, whatever?鈥� he asked the police during his speech at the closing ceremony of the motorcycle riding course in Davao City on Friday.
鈥淵ou stand up so I can recognize you. Ayaw niyo ng motor? Where?鈥� he said.
鈥淥kay you will receive each of you a dual Yamaha,鈥� he added. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 my gift to you.鈥�
Duterte said motorcycle riding was a dangerous job but said motorcycle riding police are the early responders during emergencies.
鈥淵ou have to learn the way it should be. Madumi ito na trabaho. Madumi na delikado,鈥� he said.
鈥淏ut then it鈥檚 one of the best fighting force, really, is the early responders, and it could only be the police who are riding motorcycles. I am glad that you have taken interest in this,鈥� he added.
The President also warned the police not to use motorcycles and other government resources to make profit.
鈥淟et me also remind you that whenever you use your motorcycles in the line of duty, you do so as agents of government and protectors of our people,鈥� he said.
鈥淣ever allow yourselves to be tempted to make profit out of it by offering services to private sectors. Those caught with this kind in the practice would have to be accountable to it,鈥� he added. /jpv