Mr Duterte clarified that he had "nothing against gays", saying several of his relatives were homosexual.
The controversial politician had previously appeared supportive of LGBTQ rights, saying in 2015 that same-sex marriage was "good".
But he is otherwise known for his conservative views especially on crime.
He has waged a much-criticised war on drug users and dealers leading to thousands of extra-judicial killings.
His latest remarks were made on Sunday night to Filipino expatriates in the Burm