Deputy Speaker David “Jayjay” Suarez and other leaders of the House of Representatives on Monday lashed back at Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte saying his call for the resignation of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is uncalled-for, baseless, and worse, disrespectful.
In a speech at the Hakbang ug Maisug Leaders Forum in Davao City on Sunday, Mayor Duterte, son of former President Rodrigo Duterte, asked Marcos to step down from office, accusing him of being lazy and lacking compassion.
“Yung mga nabanggit sa Davao calling for his resignation I think is totally disrespectful, of the man given the position that he holds, and … has no basis whatsoever,” Suarez said.
Suarez noted that in the past two years, the Filipino people have seen the performance of President Marcos, particularly in managing and revitalizing the economy as the country emerged from the coronavirus pandemic.
In addition, Suarez said the the activities of Marcos, showing his visits to various parts of the country to check on government projects or extend assistance to disaster victims, as well as his meetings with the Cabinet, show his dedication to serving the people.
“We have seen his commitment to the Filipino people, na hindi maaksaya ang tiwala na ipinagkaloob sa kanya nung siya ay manalo bilang Pangulo,” Suarez said.
Rizal 1st District Rep. Michael John Duavit said that while he respects everyone’s right to express his opinion but he does not share Mayor Baste’s views.
“Everybody’s got a right to an opinion, everybody’s got a right to express it. I’ll just express mine: I disagree, as simple as that.”
Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. also said the reasons Mayor Baste raised in his call for the resignation of Marcos is not supported by the facts.
“Ako naman po, ang masasabi ko lang, we have to respect the Office of the President. Saka nagtataka po kami bakit pinapa-resign si President BBM, wala po tayong basehan, napaka-sipag (ng Pangulo),” he said.
Suarez reiterated that amid such accusations, the House remains unwavering in its support for Marcos.
“Inuulit ko ang commitment at suporta namin, it’s unequivocal for Pres. Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos,” he said.
The House unanimously adopted on Monday a resolution expressing its strong and unqualified support for the leadership of President Marcos.
About the Author
