Presidential insult and humiliation
Barely a week ago, President Rodrigo Duterte praised the “former political has-been” for secretly supporting him in the 2016 presidential elections. But during the president’s visit in Mandaue City last Thursday, he lashed out at the “former political has-been,” calling him arrogant. He even threatened to slap him if their paths crossed. The president reportedly received information the “former political has-been” implied that he (Duterte) is a drug protector.
In his speech during the 49th Charter Day anniversary in Mandaue City, Duterte reminded the “former political has-been” that now is no longer the Spanish era. He said the problem with the “former political has-been” is hubris. “Hubris” is excessive pride or confidence, an apt description of the attitude of the “former political has-been.”
The president also threatened to slap him. He even made fun of his illness, saying he is always carrying shit (in reference to the urine bag in his waist). “Cebu City is not your property. It has never been your territory...You can bring Cebu to the Pacific Ocean.”
I did not hear the speech on TV as I was driving home. But I listened to it on the radio. I could imagine the president’s angry face. What the president said was insulting and humiliating for the “former political has-been.” It was worse than simply naming a person as a drug protector.
the president warned. sa iyang pagka-arogante. Mirisi.
As expected, the camp of the “former political has-been” tried to neutralize the impact of the president’s scolding by using his keyboard warriors in social media. In his Facebook account, he said the president is entitled to what he said but being a lawyer, “he should know that there are two sides in every story.” He accused Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Dino and PRO 7 Chief Debold Sinas of misinforming the President.
I hope that this “presidential admonition” will humble him. That is if he still has a chance to reform. Pero tan-aw nako di na ni siya mausab. Gihatagan naman gani og sakit sa Ginoo, wa man mausab.
On a personal note, I thank those who helped me obtain justice in the libel case filed by the “former political has been” against me. Regional Trial Court presiding judge Gilbert Moises dismissed the case. He granted the motion of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to withdraw the case. I knew from the start that the column I wrote was not libelous. The case he filed was meant to silence me. And truth prevailed.
Thanks to Judge Moises for acknowledging the role of the press as purveyor of truth and the freedom of expression; to my lawyer, Joan Baron of the J. P. Garcia Law Office; and to the Sunstar management.
Thanks also to SunStar readers, my dySS listeners, my GMA 7 Balitang Bisdak newscast viewers and to all those who sympathized and expressed their support and concern. If you are willing to work and do your part to build a better city for all and not just for yourself or political padrino, you will always have a place here.
“Tamparuson o laparuhon tika,”
Aguy, pagkasakit ana. Nakakita na siya og katapat. Nakabawos na ang mga tawo nga biktima