Panelo: Digong is ‘Berdugong Anghel’
La Union – Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo described President Duterte as some kind of avenging angel in the way he handles the presidency, in the same manner he ran Davao City as its former mayor.
“I was asked to describe him. How are you going to describe Duterte? He is my friend for more than 30 years. We can call him ‘berdugong anghel.’ He is tough with criminals, on irregularities, and on all kinds of illegal activities in our country. He is an angel who gives love and protection to our countrymen,” Panelo said while attending the
bicentennial anniversary of Ilocos Sur on Friday in Vigan City.
Panelo said Duterte has only one principle in his presidency – to obey the mandate of the Constitution.
“The President said that ‘there is only one principle that my presidency will observe and that is what the Constitution mandates me, directs me and orders me.’ That is to serve and protect the people,” Panelo said.
Because of Duterte’s being tough, Panelo said there would be individuals or groups that might try to pull him down as they could be hurt or enraged by the President’s leadership style.
“Let us pray for our President. Let us storm the heavens with our prayers and ask the angels to come and spread their wings over this man so that he will be shielded from harm, injury, or anything that will hamper his presidency,” Panelo said.
Panelo recalled that he has been consistent in convincing Duterte to run for president eight years ago because he believes that his friend was destined to become Chief Executive.
“Eight years have passed (since) I asked him repeatedly to run for president. I said you have a date with destiny, you have an appointment with history, and you have no more opportunity or reason not to run for the presidency because you’re destined to become president,” Panelo said.
“And if you run you will win by landslide, and that was eight years ago… I dare say today that if this President will survive the presidency, he will end up to become the greatest president that our country ever had,” he said.