Tired of Duterte’s jokes? ‘We have to be patient,’ says Gatchalian

MANILA, Philippines — Remember President Rodrigo Duterte’s promise to change into a presidential leader?

He’s going there, just be patient.

This, at least, is according to Senator Sherwin Gatchalian when asked in an interview at the Senate on Wednesday if the trash-talking Duterte should now act presidential and refrain from making green jokes.

“I think he (Duterte) has mentioned that many times. In fact, prior to his assumption, he said he will metamorphose into a presidential figure,” Gatchalian said.

“I think that metamorphose process is probably taking some time, but I think it’s going there, [he is] still working on it. I think we have to be patient,” he added.

The senator believes the President is already trying to transform himself into a “more presidential leader.”

In 2016, Duterte promised to become presidential once he assumed his post.

“I am not yet president. Maya-maya, maghintay kayo (You need to wait). I’m really a rude person. I’m enjoying my last time as a rude person,” the President said in an interview in June 2016.

“When I become president when I take my oath of office… ibang storya na yun… (It’s a different story) There will be a metamorphosis,” he added. /ee

READ: Duterte promises ‘metamorphosis’ after inauguration