Pimentel finds VP Duterte’s remarks ‘strange’: I thought it was AI

Vice President Sara Duterte during her press conference at the Office of the Vice President, Robinsons Cybergate Plaza, Mandaluyong City, October 17, 2024. INQUIRER PHOTO/LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III found Vice President Sara Duterte’s remarks against the Marcos administration “strange” that he thought he was listening to an artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

“Actually, I was worried about her, the VP,” Pimentel said in Filipino during a press briefing on Monday when asked about Duterte’s latest tirades against the administration.

“I think she needs to talk to some professionals and maybe some close friends and family, so she can express what’s in her heart and mind. It’s difficult not to share,” he added.

Asked to elaborate, Pimentel described Duterte’s remarks as “unusual” as she was able to verbalize what was in her mind.

“I’ll just say it’s strange,” he added.

He later admitted that when he first heard Duterte’s remarks, he was surprised and thought that he was listening to an AI.

One of her statements that Pimentel found unusual was when Duterte talked of “cutting off” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s head.

READ: Sara admits daydreamed ‘cutting off’ Marcos’ head

In her press conference last Friday, Duterte recalled an incident where a graduate supposedly asked for Marcos’ watch as a graduation gift.

But Marcos’ reply, according to the Vice President, was: “Why would I give you my watch?”

“At that point, I was already ill, I wasn’t feeling well. I wanted to remove his head. I realized the relationship was already toxic,” Duterte said, partly speaking in a mix of Filipino and English.

Pimentel also considers  “strange” Duterte’s threat to dig up the body of Marcos’ father, former president and dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., and throw it into the West Philippine Sea if the attacks against her continue.

READ: Duterte: I’ll throw Marcos Sr.’s body into WPS if attacks continue

It was her father, then President Rodrigo Duterte, who ordered the burial of the late president at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

READ: Duterte: Marcos deserves to be buried at heroes’ cemetery 

“I don’t know. But once, I actually told Sen. Imee. I told her, if you don’t stop, I will dig up your father, I will throw him into the West Philippines Sea,” the Vice President said, when reminded about the late president.

Upon hearing these,  Pimentel said: “I thought it was AI.”

“I said, wait what is this? Did it really happen or was it done using AI? So that was my initial reaction,” he added.