(Eagle News)–Senator Richard Gordon has said he was not offended by President Rodrigo Duterte’s comments against him after he criticized the chief executive’s appointments of military men in government.
In a statement, Gordon said “everyone is entitled to an opinion, and we cannot be onion skinned about such things.”
“The statements I made yesterday were made in good faith and out of concern for our country and the President, whom I consider a friend,” he said, noting that he and Duterte “have known each other since we were both mayors and believe that we have mutual respect.”
He said he also has “great respect for the military and the armed forces because they are the protector of the people and the State.”
He expressed support for “a strong military, with a credible air force, navy, and coast guard,” saying he “will continue to do so because I believe that we need to strengthen the military in order to protect our country, especially during these challenging times.”
“In fact, during the deliberations of the TRAIN Law, we proposed that 15% of the collections from it be earmarked for military modernization and it passed the Senate. When it was later removed, I threatened to filibuster until the President called and assured me that the executive would ensure that it would be implemented,” Gordon said.
He said, however, that “at the same time, we want to assure the public that we are not militarizing the government.”
On Duterte’s comment the senator should watch his waist, Gordon said he was “happy” the President was “concerned” but “he need not worry about that.”
“My wife has seen to it that I have reduced it significantly of late. But I appreciate that he is concerned about by health as I am about his,” Duterte said.
In a speech on Thursday, Aug. 1, Duterte called Gordon names, and urged him to “watch your waistline first before interfering in my job.”
Prior to this, Gordon said Duterte’s appointments of military men and former military men was “dangerous because civilian authority must remain supreme over the military.”
“Dapat 3 years muna bago ka i-appoint,” he said.
“Ang problema lang kay Presidente, mababaw ang bench nya. He comes from the province, hindi niya nakilala. So, mas nagre-rely siya sa military,” Gordon had said.
