By Alec Go
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo on Monday (April 12) countered the tirades of former Senator Sonny Trillanes against President Rodrigo Duterte, saying that the ex-senator is the one who is the “narcissist.”
“Hindi raw totoo na si Presidente Duterte ay may sakit… Sinasadya raw na kunyari hindi nagpapakita para pag-usapan, narcissistic daw [He said it is not true that President Duterte is sick… but rather that the President is intentionally hiding from public view so as to be talked about, and that he is narcissistic],” Panelo narrated during his show Counterpoint.
“Palibhasa kasi, pag nakikita nitong dating senador na ito ang sarili niya sa salamin, nakikita niya ‘yung paglalarawan niya kay Presidente; actually ang nilalarawan niya, siya [When the former senator looks into a mirror, the words he describes the President with are words that apply to himself],” he said.
Rumors circulated last week that the Chief Executive was severely ill and was brought to Singapore for medical treatment. Officials close to him assured the public that he never left his office in Malacanang and continues to serve his functions.
Panelo said the videos and photos of President walking and jogging within the vicinity of Malacanang are to belie accusations of his detractors that he is dying.
He added that exercising, including walking and jogging, is an essential activity.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Monday noon confirmed that the Chief Executive will give his public address after his meeting with select government officials.
“Alam niyo po, ang Presidente, walang iniisip kundi ‘yung mga problema ng bayan [The President has no other matters in mind except for the problems of the country],” Roque said.
