Senator Richard Gordon didn’t try to exchange tirades with President Rodrigo Duterte after the latter called him “fake-Filipino” and “Penguin” during a speech Thursday.
In a statement, Gordon said that his comments on Duterte’s decision to appoint ex-military men in the Cabinet “were made in good faith and out of concern for our country and the President.”
“I take no offense at the President’s comments. As I have said, everyone is entitled to an opinion, and we cannot be onion-skinned about such things. I will continue to focus on working hard to serve the country and the people. Our goal as public servants is not any higher office, but to remain steadfast in service to ensure that we uplift the lives of our people, and that is what I try to do every day.” Gordon said.
“I am happy that the 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.” he added.
He clarified that he has also big respect to the military but still insist that the government should not be militarized.
“In the Senate and in my entire career, my record speaks for itself. I have always supported a strong military, with a credible air force, navy, and coast guard. I will continue to do so because I believe that we need to strengthen the military in order to protect our country, especially during these challenging times.” Gordon said.
Gordon on Wednesday said that the reason why Duterte is appointing former Generals because of his narrow connections and because of being a “Probinsiyano”.
As a response, Duterte mocked the appearance of Gordon and told him to mind his own business.
“Yung sabi niya na probinsyano ako, sa bagay totoo ‘yan. Pero at least, probinsyano ako, my brain stays in my head. Yung utak mo Dick yung utak mo nagtutunaw, nagpupunta diyan sa tiyan mo. You are a fart away from disaster, intindihin mo muna ‘yung tiyan mo bago ka makialam sa trabaho ko,” Duterte said.
“Take care of your stomach. It’s ugly. You’re just a fart, a heartbeat away from… ‘Yang laki mong ‘yan? ‘Yan ang katawan na mahirap, hindi pwede ambulansya. Karga ninyo sa truck ninyo,” he added.