Palace defends Andanar, Panelo over sexual jokes

MANILA, Philippines — Saying they were just trying to reach out to their audience, Malacañang yesterday defended two Cabinet secretaries who drew flak for making sexual jokes.

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo stirred controversy recently for cracking jokes that some sectors found inappropriate. 

Andanar told Filipinos in the United Kingdom that European Union (EU) officials, who have expressed concerns over the deaths tied to President Duterte’s war on illegal drugs, are “kulang pa sa iyot” or lack sex. 

Panelo, meanwhile, told the Swiss National Public Radio and Television Southeast Asia that he was “better in bed” and claimed to have been told that he “f***s like an 18-year-old” when he was still a bachelor.  

Andanar said his remark was made in jest while Panelo said he was just interplaying words to make his interviewers laugh. 

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said Andanar and Panelo were just trying to connect with their audience. 

“I think we need to be able to see in the light of these officials… attempting to relay it in a more personal manner with the intended audience,” Abella said in a press briefing yesterday.  

Asked if the jokes of Andanar and Panelo were acceptable, Abella said: “Well, I suppose the levels of acceptance differ. And, you know, the cultural landscape continues to evolve… So if you’re asking what is acceptable, then you know, it all depends on what kinds of standards you’re asking.” 

He added: “I am not implying any bias. I’m simply saying, that apparently, the secretary was trying to relate in a manner that seemed to him appropriate to the culture... I’m not the judge of the acceptability regarding that matter.” 

Abella on his way out?

In a related development, Abella was mum on talks that Kabayan Rep. Harry Roque is about to replace him as presidential spokesman.  

“There is nothing official regarding the matter,” Abella said when asked for comment.

Abella just laughed when asked if he would stay as presidential spokesman.  

Previous reports said Duterte was not happy with the way Abella handled the messaging on his lower satisfaction and trust ratings.

Andanar told to quit

Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin yesterday urged Andanar to resign for cracking the sex joke.

“Andanar should tender his resignation for such despicable behavior. It is highly condemnable to portray the EU in such language,” Villarin said.

“As a journalist, he should know better than treat critics in such a way. As a Cabinet official, he is not entitled to such utterances that demean our country and people,” the lawmaker said.

Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, on the other hand, said he was saddened and embarrassed by Andanar’s statement.

Alejano said Andanar’s remarks “toward EU officials who are critical of the Duterte administration are utterly rude and unprofessional.”

“In dealing with other countries, diplomacy must always be practiced. I understand that the Duterte administration is pursuing an independent foreign policy. However, this does not mean that we isolate ourselves through crass statement, ill behavior and undiplomatic actions. Political will does not have to be rude and offensive,” Alejano said, emphasizing that government officials “are the face of the whole nation.”

“Their actions reflect the Filipino culture. Filipinos are known to be respectful and hospitable. Unfortunately, our present government officials are the very first ones showing the opposite. In fact, the President is the perfect example of this. Now, his Cabinet officials and allies are taking him as a model and are following suit,” he added.

For Gabriela Women’s Party, excessive sex or lack thereof is irrelevant to the growing outrage over the nonstop extrajudicial killings under the Duterte regime.

“Can’t Andanar directly respond as to why the Duterte government’s war on drugs has resulted in the slaughter of thousands of poor Filipinos?” the group asked.

“Andanar’s response is at the very least a distasteful and desperate attempt to divert the issue, using vulgarity to avoid accountability over the killings and rights violations under Duterte,” Gabriela said. – With Jess Diaz