No malice on Duterte kissing lips of Filipina in South Korea: Palace

June 4, 2018

Malacanang defended on Monday President Rodrigo Duterte's kissing a Filipina on the lips in South Korea.

In an interview by CNN Philippines, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said there was "no malice" from the president's action, which he did during his meeting with the Filipino community in Seoul and was aired live over the state-run People's Television Network.

"Well, I think the kiss is what has made the President popular amongst our people. Obviously there is no offended party here. The lady who was kissed has clearly expressed that he was honored with the kiss," he said.

He added that what happened was a "playful act."

"There was no malice. The woman made it clear that she didn’t think that there was malice in it. It was intended as a light moment, let’s leave it at that," he added.

Roque said those who were only imputing malice were Duterte's usual critics.

"Of course we have our traditional critics and the same critics who are going to doubt against what happened. But I believe that an overwhelming majority of the Filipinos conitnue to support the President and found the kiss a light moment that is very accepted in the culture of Filipinos," he added.

Duterte's action of kissing a Filipina on the lips drew criticisms from some groups, particularly the women advocates. Celerina Monte/DMS