Duterte Camp Apologizes For ‘Gutter Language’

The camp of PDP-LABAN standard bearer Rodrigo Duterte on Monday announced that their candidate has said “sorry” for using gutter language in the aftermath of a hostage taking incident in Davao City in 1989.

“We stand unequivocally on the side of Mayor Duterte on this matter and wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who stood by him and continue to do so despite the most vicious and malevolent attacks against his character and integrity in both mainstream and social media,” PDP-LABAN spokesperson Paola Alvarez said.

Duterte’s comments were caught on video, saying he finds the missionary beautiful and lamented that he was upstaged by the prison inmates who committed the rape and killing of the Australian woman.

His comments drew criticism wherein netizens and various sectors tagged his remarks as insensitive, unacceptable and shows lack of respect for women.

“We reiterate: Mayor Duterte remains focused on the campaign and will continue to mobilize people’s support for his platform of Tunay na Pagbabago anchored on a 24/7 war against crime and corruption, inclusive growth through regional development and equality under the law,” she added.

And in line with this, Alvarez said they are challenging other candidates to keep this campaign focused on platforms, rather than on peripheral or side issues that have no bearing on the qualities that our people want in the next president: track record in public office, unsullied integrity and honesty, and competence to handle the demands of the presidency.

“We believe the platform of Mayor Duterte and his vice presidential candidate, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, adequately responds to the actual needs of the nation at this crucial juncture in our history and will bring us closer to our goal of achieving political stability, economic growth and social concord in the next six years,” the PDP-LABAN spokesperson stressed.

“On behalf of PDP-LABAN, we thank our party leaders at the national down to the local levels, our allies and friends in the regions, and most especially to the common people who have given their all-out support to the Duterte-Cayetano tandem everywhere they go,” she added.

Alvarez said that they are calling on all Filipinos to remain vigilant and help ensure clean, credible and peaceful elections on May 9.

“After all, free and fair elections are the hallmark of a functioning democracy, and will guarantee that the next set of leaders will truly represent the people’s will and uphold the common good,” she added. (PNA) BNB/PFN