Duterte vows to undergo a ‘metamorphosis’ when he assumes presidency

MANILA, Philippines — President-elect Rodrigo Duterte vowed that he will undergo a "metamorphosis" once he assumes office.

In a televised news conference in Davao Thursday night, Duterte told reporters he is just enjoying his remaining days as a "rude person" while he still can.

"I am not yet president. Maya maya, maghintay kayo. I'm really a rude person. I'm enjoying my last time as a rude person," he said.

Describing himself as a "caterpillar," Duterte said he will "blossom into a butterfly."

"I'm telling you how I'm going to behave. There's going to be a metamorphosis. Suddenly from a caterpillar, it blossoms into a butterfly," he said.

The incoming chief executive also promised the public that they will see a toned down Duterte when he takes his oath as president.

"I have to tone down on my cursing. That would be a past, it's going to be history. I have to concentrate more on what happens to this country and to develop it and to make it progress along the way. And there's a lot of things which I have to do to complete," he said.

Earlier, Duterte drew flak after wolf whistling at a female television reporter during a press conference.

Media groups and various sectors were also outraged over Duterte's recent statement that many of the slain journalists were corrupt.