Andanar respects right of Mocha Uson, PIA chief to freedom of expression

PCOO Sec Jose Ruperto Martin Andanar answers questions from the Media regarding Mocha Uson’s video blog entry  on federalism at the New Executive Bldg (NEB) in Malacañang complex on August 6, 2018.  PDI/JOAN BONDOC

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Wednesday said he respects Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Harold Clavite’s call for Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson to take a leave.

This while Andanar also said he respects the former sexy star and pro-Duterte blogger’s right to freedom of expression despite the backlash of her controversial “Pepedederalismo” jingle-video that went viral on social media.

“Ganito lang iyan eh, ‘di ba sa isang bansa o sa isang pamilya, lahat naman ay may kaniya-kaniyang opinyon iyan ‘di ba. Kung may opinyon iyong isang anak mo, respetuhin mo iyon; may opinyon iyong isa, respetuhin mo rin iyon,” Andanar told radio dzXL when sought for comment on Clavite’s statement.

“So, nirerespeto ko iyong freedom of expression ni Mocha, and I’ve been respecting that since day one. And I also respect the freedom of expression, the right to express himself ni Director General Harold Clavite,” he added.

On Tuesday night, Clavite released a statement via Facebook slamming Uson for her actions, which “damage the rectitude of my communication and public information agenda.”

“I can no longer let her obscure and vilify my honest work in helping the President, this government, and this country, as well as the efforts that we have painstakingly and patiently put into place under my leadership in PIA for the past two years,” Clavite said as he demanded Uson to make a public apology and take a leave from work.  /kga