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BY PRINCE GOLEZ
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Wednesday, February 21, 2018
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MANILA – Respect them.
That is what lawmakers should do to the officials providing information on the controversial P15.74-billion Philippine Navy frigate acquisition project, President Rodrigo Duterte stressed.
At the 10th Biennial National Convention and 20th Founding Anniversary celebration of the Chinese Filipino Business Club, Inc., Duterte lamented that resource persons who testified at the Senate hearing on Monday were treated like an accused.
“Sana wala lang babuyan because I do not want to violate the Constitution,” said the President.
“I’m telling Congress now – with due, with the utmost respect – please treat as if they really are a general, a Cabinet member and officer,” he added. “Do not demean them before the public.”
Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go denied before senators on Monday the allegation that he intervened in the frigate transaction and insisted that the project was a done-deal during the Benigno Aquino III administration.
Duterte urged lawmakers to “investigate first” before summoning individuals to appear before any inquiry.
“So why don’t you just investigate first rather than, on a mere gossip, pati piece of paper, you call them and they have to answer for hours of grueling questions and all. Tapos only babuyin lang,” he said.
The President also urged members of the executive branch to walk out of investigations when disrespected.
“’Wag lang ninyong babuyin kasi my orders would be, if you are degraded, if you are inflicted with the wounds of your dignity as a person, stand up and go out,” said Duterte.
“If you are arrested, I will object. ’Pag hindi kayo binitawan, I will go to Congress even alone to get you,” he added.
Sought for comment, fierce Duterte critic Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV said the President should take the lead by showing the Senate respect.
“Bilang Presidente siya ang dapat manguna sa pagdi-display o pagbibigay-halimbawa ng respeto sa institusyon,” Trillanes said.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros, on the other hand, took Duterte to task over the latter’s demeaning comments and jokes on women.
“Sana kilalanin din ni Presidente ang dignidad ng mga kababaihan sa kabila ng tuluy-tuloy, paulit-ulit na pambabastos sa kababaihan,” she said./PN
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