You have to support the government, not to me personally; I do not want anyone cultivating loyalty to me. I don't like that.

The quote by Rodrigo Duterte emphasizes his belief that loyalty should be directed toward the government, not towards any individual, including himself. Duterte is making it clear that he does not desire personal loyalty or cult-like admiration from his supporters. Instead, he stresses the importance of supporting the institution of the government and its functions. This reflects his belief in the institutional strength of the state over personal power or a personality-driven political system.

Duterte’s statement is rooted in his desire for public service to be about the greater good and the collective wellbeing of the nation, rather than about the elevation of a single leader. He seems to be wary of the cult of personality, which is often associated with authoritarian regimes, where political loyalty is tied to the leader rather than the nation or its principles. By rejecting personal loyalty, he indicates that his role as a leader should be seen as part of a broader system of governance rather than as an individual pursuit of power.

The origin of this quote comes from Duterte's presidency in the Philippines, a time when his leadership style was often described as controversial and populist. Known for his tough stance on issues such as drugs, crime, and law enforcement, Duterte sought to position himself as a leader who was focused on the country's needs, not on consolidating personal power or popularity. His rejection of personal loyalty likely stems from his understanding of the potential dangers of being viewed as an authoritarian figure.

In essence, Duterte’s quote reflects his desire to emphasize governmental and institutional loyalty rather than personal allegiance. It underscores his belief that political systems should be based on the strength and legitimacy of the government itself, not on the individual at its helm. By distancing himself from the idea of personal loyalty, Duterte advocates for a more democratic and functional approach to governance, where the focus remains on serving the nation as a whole.