This becameclear already on the eve of his assumption into office as President, when he gave a controversial interview in which he charged that journalists, who had been gunned down, had been most likely corrupt and thus had basically asked for it (Philippine Daily Inquirer, June 1, 2016).He remained unrepentant over the remark, despite receiving a deluge of criticisms for it, which came at a time when the Philippines continues to be one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists.
Nagingmalinaw ito noong bisperas ng kanyang pag upo sa tanggapan bilang Pangulo, nang magbigay siya ng kontrobersyal na panayam kung saan sinabi niyang ang mga mamamahayag na napatay ay karamihan mas malamang na tiwali at kaya talagang inabot lang ang kanilang hinahanap.(Philippine Daily Inquirer, June 1, 2016). Hindi siya nagsisisi sa kanyang sinabi sa kabila ng pagbaha ng kritisismo na dumagsa sa panahong ang Pilipinas ay nananatiling isa sa pinakamapanganib na lugar sa buong mundo para sa mga mamamahayag.