Duterte calls Panelo ‘Mr. Referral’

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday called his spokesman and legal counsel Salvador Panelo “Mr. Referral” after the latter was criticized for “referring” ex-mayor Antonio Sanchez’s application for executive clemency to the Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP).

Duterte was about to speak before the recipients of the Outstanding Government Workers Award in Malacañang when he issued the remark.

WATCH: President Duterte calls Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo "Mr. Referral." @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/JgmeUKDarg

— Darryl John Esguerra (@DJEsguerraINQ) September 10, 2019

“Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, the Mr. referral,” Duterte said, eliciting laughter from the crowd.

Panelo had earlier admitted writing a referral letter and meeting the family of his former client.

But he stressed that he only “referred” Sanchez’s plea for executive clemency to the BPP and did not endorse or recommended the former Calauan, Laguna mayor’s early release.

Sanchez’s release because of the good conduct time allowance law had caused such public uproar that it prompted Duterte to order the rearrest of close to 2,000 inmates released due to good behavior. /je