Pubdate: Mon, 30 Jan 2006
Source: Sunstar Davao (Philippines)
Copyright: 2006 Sunstar
Contact:  http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1991
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Author: BOT
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MAYOR SAYS DAVAO MUCH BETTER THAN US

IT SEEMS Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has become a staunch critic
of the US.

After lambasting the US government before thousands of delegates of
the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF), Duterte again criticized them in his
television program Sunday.

In his program "Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa," Duterte said he is
willing to bet his one-year salary in proving that Davao City is much
better than US.

Duterte said contrary to what many believe, US is far behind compared
to Davao City in terms of cleanliness and security of the people.

"If we have the budget like they have in the US, then Davao will be
heaven. The Lord may even drop by in the belief that this is heaven,"
Duterte said.

Among others, he said, drug abuse is prolific in the US--a scenario
that is most unlikely to happen in the city.

"It's more likely that Davao city will be flooded with dead bodies
than for it to be flooded with drugs," Duterte said.

The mayor said he hates the US for their cavalier attitude especially
during their "rescue" on American bomb suspect Michael Meiring in the
city few years ago.

Duterte said he could never forgive the US government "for treating
Dabawenyos like doormat."

"I hate the guts of people coming from the US State Department and
trying to pontificate themselves. In truth we (Dabawenyos) are better
than you (Americans). We just don't have the money," Duterte said.

Unconfirmed reports showed that during the ATF, CNN correspondent
wanted to interview Duterte for their ATF special story.

But Duterte reportedly turned down CNN's request for some unknown
reason. 
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