Gordon to let Duterte’s insults pass: ‘It’s part of the job’

Sen. Richard Gordon. INQUIRER file photo / LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines — Following President Rodrigo Duterte’s barrage of personal insults, Sen. Richard Gordon on Friday said he would just let it pass since he and his wife are happy with his body and health anyway.

READ: Gordon thanks Duterte’s concern for his health ‘as I am about his’

“Kasama sa trabaho ‘yan. I respect the President, I’m a senator, he should respect the Senate as a co-equal branch of government… Ang pinaghahabol natin ay pangkabutihang pangkalahatan, bakit tayo mag-aaway dahil sa may personal comments?” Gordon said in an interview with radio dzBB.

“Palalampasin natin ‘yan eh personal comment ‘yan eh. Walang kinalaman ‘yan dun sa issues ng West Philippine Sea,” he added.

In a speech on Thursday, Duterte lambasted the senator for criticizing his appointment of former police and military officers in the government.

READ: Duterte says Gordon ‘a fart away from disaster’

“Yung utak mo Dick natutunaw, napupunta diyan sa tiyan mo. You are a fart away from disaster. Intindihin mo muna ‘yung tiyan mo bago ka makialam sa trabaho ko,” the President said.

Gordon said he would brush off the insults, stressing that his wife is happy with him.

“Ano’ng magiging reaksyon ko? Aawayin ko ang Pangulo? Sinabi ko lang naman ‘yun para sa bayan, masama ba naman magsalita ng ganun?” Gordon explained.

“I’m happy with myself, my wife is happy with me, why should I worry? Why should I worry about what other people say about my body? My wife is taking care of my health, my waistline has gone down…” he added.

The lawmaker nonetheless assured that Duterte’s comment would not affect his views and work as Senate blue ribbon committee chair.

“Sakin ho walang effect… I always say what is on my mind, I always stood by what I believe in…” Gordon said.

“It’s not a question of alliance, we’re friends… Hindi naman ako magbabago kung kaibigan man ako o hindi ni Presidente… ganun ako eh,” he added. /jpv