On Wednesday President Rodrigo Duterte immediately addressed the controversy over the burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos after landing in Davao City.
As he had previously held, he said he was just following the law and it was his sworn duty to do so as president.
However, he posed a challenge to anti-Marcos protesters — who are set to hold a big rally Friday.
Duterte said if protesters can answer his two questions in the negative or with a "no," then he would "gladly — and happy even — step down."
"Was the late Ferdinand Marcos a president? Was he a soldier?" he asked.
"Was he a hero or coward? Thats not my business... I was not there... I cannot decide in favor of sentiments. You are asking me to violate the law."
The President gave his word that protesters would be given all the elbow room to carry out their mass actions.
In fact, he said, rallies would be allowed in all public places — with no time limit, not even a permit requirement.
"Protesters will have my protection also," Duterte said. He then paraphrased a famous line on freedom of expression, "I may not agree with what you say but I will protect your right to say it.
"As your president, you have my word, you have that commitment."