Senator Kiko Pangilinan praised President Rodrigo Duterte’s apology to the Chief Justice, but also appealed to him to be careful in everything that he says as it can impact the Filipinos all around the world.
“We welcome President Duterte’s public apology for his “harsh words” meant for Chief Justice [Maria Lourdes] Sereno. It shows that he is willing to admit when he is wrong and this is laudable,” Pangilinan said in his press statement published on his website on August 14.
He reminded the President that he is no longer governing Davao City as a mayor, but the entire Philippines as the President.
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“We appeal to the President to exercise greater restraint and to choose his words carefully when he speaks out on various matters now that he is President of the entire nation and no longer just Mayor of Davao City,” the senator added.
Pangilinan said that Duterte’s public speeches and the manner in which he says them can affect Filipinos in the Philippines and abroad.
“As President of our nation, he represents all 100 plus million Filipinos here and abroad, including myself, my wife, and my children. Thus every time he speaks in public, depending on what he says and how he says it, all of us Filipinos can be affected either positively or negatively,” Pangilinan said.
Duterte apologized to Sereno after he threatened the Supreme Court with a declaration of martial law if they meddle with his war against drugs.
“I apologize to the Chief Justice for the harsh words I’ve said, it was never intended,” Duterte said.
His threats came after Sereno wrote him a letter, advising the seven judges in his narco-list not to surrender without a warrant of arrest.
Sources: (kikopangilinan.com, newsinfo.inquirer.net)
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