Gordon swallows Duterte's comments about stomach
MANILA, Philippines — Although he was happy that President Rodrigo Duterte expressed "concern" about his health, Sen. Richard Gordon told the president there was no need to worry about his belly.
Duterte on Thursday night called out Gordon for commenting on his preference for appointing military officials to top posts in the government.
The president lashed out at Gordon, calling him a "smart ass" and poked fun at the senator's stomach, saying the chairman of the Senate's blue ribbon committee looks like a tadpole.
He also said that Gordon walks like a penguin.
"Dick. Bayag. Bayag," the president also said, pointing out how Gordon's nickname is also American slang for penis.
'I appreciate his concern'
Gordon, however, said he takes no offense at the Duterte's comments as he considers the president a friend.
"I am happy that President is concerned about my waistline, but he need not worry about that. My wife has seen to it that I have reduced it significantly of late. But I appreciate that he is concerned about my health as I am about his," Gordon said in a statement.
On President Duterte’s remarks during the BFP Anniv: The statements I made yesterday were made in good faith and out of concern for our country and the President, whom I consider a friend. We have known each other since we were both mayors and believe that we have mutual respect pic.twitter.com/5AY7yuUIPr
— Richard J. Gordon (@DickGordonDG) August 1, 2019
The senator further noted that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and that he cannot be "onion-skinned" about such matters.
Gordon: I respect the military
Despite his comments about the "militarization" of the government, Gordon stressed that he respects the military as protectors of the people and the state.
"However, at the same time, we want to assure the public that we are not militarizing the government," he said.
Gordon's criticism of the frequent appointment of former generals after the appointment of retired Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat as board member of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System.
"The only problem with the president, his bench is shallow. He comes from the province, he doesn't know people, so he relies on the military," Gordon said earlier this week.
Among the retired generals in Duterte's Cabinet are Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu and Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, both of whom are former chiefs of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The president has said that he prefers former military officials in government posts because they follow orders.
- Latest
- Trending
