Wrong group

The Palace spokesman conceded that Duterte barked up the wrong tree.

Abella told reporters on Friday: “We are not [ expelling them]. These [tirades] are not in reference to the ambassadors, okay. There’s no need…there’s no directive to do that (expulsion of EU envoys). There is no actual reporting… there’s no actual follow-up on that matter…at this stage.”

In a speech during the inauguration of the renovated press briefing area in the Palace grounds, the President told the EU: “You [tell us that the Philippines] will be excluded from the UN [council]? Sons of b*****s, go ahead. How do I even say this in Spanish?

Hijodep**a, you go ahead [and expel us]!”

“You ( EU countries) are interfering in our affairs because we are poor. You give us money, then you start to orchestrate what things should be done and which should not happen in my country. Bullshit. We are past the colonization stage. Don’t f**k with us. Do not come to this country again. You want to expel us? You try. Would Russia and China agree to that? Ulolpalakayoe (You’re crazy),” Duterte added.

Abella could not categorically say if President Duterte would apolo

“I’m sure these things are being - cerned. I suppose venues will be exhausted regarding that matter,” Abella added.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, who was present in the news conference, tried to downplay the President’s speech.

“If the President wasn’t making a reference to EU [but with the other groups], then what he has previously said could already be irrelevant. In such a situation, the EU will understand, as seen statements from certain EU parliamentarians] are not from the EU [as a bloc],” Lopez said.

“But of course, just like any, any country, when something is being said about them, they’re a bit concerned. Sometimes, they say we’re surprised with the statements of the President; [that] we are concerned. But, they’re…. they’re trying to analyze it also,” Lopez added.