Duterte to Gordon: ”Don’t be too presumptuous”

August 1, 2019

President Rodrigo Duterte slammed on Thursday Senator Richard Gordon for questioning his decision to appoint former military officials in various positions in government.

In a speech during the 28th founding anniversary of the Bureau of Fire Protection, Duterte said Gordon was just "a fart away from disaster."

"Dick Gordon, do not be too presumptuous about your talent. Why do you criticize me? It's my prerogative. It is not prohibited by law and the law says that the President shall be - get help from the Cabinet members. It doesn't say except those who are ex-military men because they are not qualified," he said.

"What's his (Gordon's) problem? I prefer military and he said I'm afraid, we'll I'm challenging him. Give me one specific instance that the military or the police or the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) membership or group of entities, bureaus under it disobeyed a single order from me," he said.

Gordon has cautioned Duterte's frequent appointment of retired military officials was dangerous, stressing that civilian authority must remain supreme over the military.

He has said Duterte could have preferred former men in uniform because he came from the province and he only knew few people.

"At least I am a probinsiyano (one who came from the province), my brain stays in my head. Your brain, Dick, melts, it goes to your stomach. You are a fart away from disaster," Duterte said.

He said Gordon should care first of himself before meddling on his job.

Duterte even said Gordon did not even win when he ran for vice president.

He also advised Gordon if he wants to be a vice president, he puts up a family corporation and "then find the way that you will be seated as the vice president of that corporation."

"The only that he is - you know he talks - he talks fast. Stupid. You're not really a Filipino. You're just tisoy (mestizo)," he said.

Duterte said if Gordon would run for president, he would not get the support of the Armed Forces.

Majority of Duterte's Cabinet members are either retired military or police officials.

He said he prefers the former men in uniform because "they can move faster with honesty." Celerina Monte/DMS