Sen. Richard J. Gordon (Screen grab/Senate PRIB)
MANILA, Philippines — “This is really tragic.”
That was how Senator Richard Gordon described on Friday President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent tirades against him, which he said were intended to divert attention from the overpriced medical supply scandal.
“I think it is an attempt by the President to try and distract the people once again,” Gordon said during the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry 3rd General Membership Meeting where he is a guest speaker.
“First of all, it is an honor to be attacked for doing my job. For doing my job both at the Senate and at the Red Cross…I’m sorry Mr. President. I’m not here to please you, I’m here to protect the Filipino people,” he added.
He was asked about Duterte’s recent rants accusing the senator of using the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) as his “milking cow” to fund his political plans.
READ: Duterte says Gordon using Red Cross to fund election bid
Gordon sits as chairman of the PRC and chairs the Senate blue ribbon committee, which is looking into the said procurement deals.
“You know I’ve not even announced anything yet. I may not even run for the Senate anymore. I may not run for President or Vice President or even run for mayor. Why am I being tainted?” the senator said during the forum.
Gordon agreed with Senator Panfilo Lacson who earlier said that the President “is in panic mode” as the Senate blue ribbon committee looks into the controversial purchase of pandemic response goods last year.
READ: Senate probe on ‘overpriced’ pandemic deals may reach Duterte — Gordon
“So it is not about him or me,” Gordon said.
He then appealed to the President not to “attempt to distract” him from focusing on the Senate investigation.
“Ang pakiusap ko lang, Mr. President, have your people answer the question. Ano ang ginawa niyo sa pera? Yan ang tinatanong e,” Gordon went on.
(My appeal, Mr. President, have your people answer the question. What have you done to the funds? That’s the question.)