MANILA – Former solicitor general Florin Hilbay slammed President Rodrigo Duterte for supposed bigotry after the latter branded him as gay and a “mistake” by God.
Duterte in a speech on Tuesday said Hilbay is “gay” even if he is supposedly in a relationship with actress Agot Isidro.
The President also said God “made a mistake” when He created Hilbay.
Hilbay, who is running for senator, said he is straight, but that he and Isidro are “secure in our relationship and we don’t believe that anybody has to prove their gender and sexuality to anyone.”
“Unlike the President, Agot and I don’t see being a member of the LGBTQIA community as a mistake or a source of shame,” the senatorial candidate stressed.
He added: “If Duterte is a real LGBTQIA ally, he would know that coming out is the most personal and momentous decision an LGBTQIA person could make. His display of bigotry is the reason why people choose to hide in the shadows, living in fear, instead of accepting their personal truth.”
WHAT DUTERTE SAID
Duterte reportedly said he does not have a problem with gays, but that Hilbay “is a bully” and that he allegedly did not accomplish anything as solicitor general.
“He acts like a man and pretends that Agot is his girlfriend. Be true to yourself. You’re gay. Don’t hide behind a cover. You were made by God. God made a mistake. Just because he’s a God does not mean he is incapable of making mistakes,” the President was quoted.
In a tweet, Hilbay responded saying: “Hindi ako na-inform na suma-sideline pala siyang chismoso sa kanto. Daming free time, ser? And to use sexuality as an insult? He’s no LGBTQIA ally, cyst.”
As solicitor general, Hilbay said he tapped “courageous” lawyers who fought for the country’s sovereignty and opposed China.
He then challenged Duterte to show courage by telling China to leave the Philippines’ territory and stop extracting natural resources there, as well as stop the entry of illegal Chinese workers into the country.
The President, he said, should also investigate the alleged drug ties of those close to him. (ABS-CBN News/PN)
