Why Freddie Aguilar is Duterte's favorite singer?

MANILA - Incoming president Rodrigo Duterte explained his fondness for Freddie Aguilar, calling the
Filipino music icon "a singer with a social conscience."

Duterte, who espouses the virtue of dying for one's country in the name of honor, praised Aguilar for
expressing his love for the Philippines in the way he composes his lyrics.

"That guy is a nationalist," he said of Aguilar in a press conference held in Davao City Thursday evening.

"His love of country shows in the way he uses his songs, which are always about corruption and what ails
this country: the social injustice."

He said Aguilar's "Anak" is his favorite song by the hitmaker.

"Kasi noong narinig ko iyan, nagtino na ako ng unti. Seven years ako sa high school, sabi ko, 'Baka mag-
seven years ako rin sa college eh naloko na.' [The song lets you] remember your childhood and the
sacrifices of your parents," he shared.

"Hindi niyo lang alam pero I'm a stickler for values. Ganoon lang ako magsalita," Duterte, who has been
criticized for his excessive use of expletives during press conferences, added.

Aguilar's "Anak" is his most famous song, spawning several covers from foreign artists. The folk ballad
made headlines back in 2014 when it was used in a trailer for a film starring Korean superstar Lee Min
Ho.

Aguilar is also known for his rendition of "Bayan Ko," which became the anthem during protests against
the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos back in the 1980s.

Aguilar was invited to perform at the grand victory party for Duterte, dubbed as "DU31: One Love, One
Nation Thanksgiving Party" scheduled for Saturday at Davao City's Crocodile Park.

He had to decline, however, due to prior commitments. "Kung ako ang masusunod, doon (sa Crocodile
Park) ako pupunta. Kaya lang may kontrata tayo na nauna doon so hindi naman ako puwedeng tumalikod
doon sa kasunduan," Aguilar explained.

On Tuesday, Duterte surprised many at his press conference as he ordered the playing of what he said is
his "lullaby" to the Filipinos. His staff then played the song that had the tune of Freddie Aguilar's popular
song, "Ipaglaban Mo," but with different lyrics.

Duterte, who is set to take oath as president of the country on June 30, and his family are expected the
make an appearance at his victory party. He quipped that he will perform one song.

"I do not dance because sabihin ng mga taga-Manila, women's abuse iyan. Maybe I'll just deliver a few
words or sing one song. 'Ikaw,' ikaw ang dahilan sa lahat ng katarantaduhan --I'm really fond of joking,"
he said in jest.