Garcia Hernandez, Bohol Mayor finally spoke about the joke of President Rodrigo Duterte to her during a speech at a campaign rally on Wednesday.
In a text message, Mayor Tita Baja-Gallentes downplayed the statements of the President about her, saying that Duterte was obviously only joking.
“First of all, it was just, clearly, a joke. [I have spent] 15 years in public service, so I’m not easily affected, I don’t see any bad interpretation with those remarks,” she said.
In the said event, Duterte was captivated by the beauty of Mayor Baja-Gallentes who according to the President was already estranged to her husband, saying that he would not let her go if they’re in a relationship.
“If it were me, why would I ever break up with you? I will really grab and hold on to your panty if you try to leave, even until the garter snaps. You’re just too beautiful.” Duterte said.
“Can you run away with me? You have children, don’t you mayor? How many children do you have? I have three — four. I have four but they’re all grown up already so I don’t have a problem there anymore.” he added.
While Baja-Gallentes was not affected by the remarks of the President, several groups including Gabriela criticized Duterte for making another joke about women.
“Talagang dumadapo ang ipis sa basurang bulok at malinaw na kasama sa dinadapuan nito ay ay ang ‘yung may bastos at basurang bunganga gaya ng sa pangulo,” Gabriela said.
President Duterte is known for making unusual jokes in public, but it didn’t affect his popularity and still remained trusted by people according to different surveys.