VIDEO: Duterte kisses OFW on the lips, calls it “gimmick only”

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte stirred another controversy after he kissed an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) on the lips while on stage.

Duterte kisses OFW on the lips, calls it “gimmick only”
President Rodrigo Duterte kisses an OFW on stage Photo Courtesy: PTV

Duterte had a meeting with the Filipino community in Seoul, South Korea on Sunday, June 3. Almost at the end of his speech, the President jokingly told the audience that he would be giving out a book in exchange for a kiss. Amidst the cheering crowd, Duterte continued, “Huwag ang lalaki, may bayad 'to. Halik.”

Duterte pointed out a woman in the audience and asked her if she wanted a copy of the book, “Altar of Secrets: S*x, Politics, and Money in the Philippine Catholic Church.” He said, “Handa ka naman makipaghalikan, halika!”

The Pinay excitedly went on stage to meet the President. Duterte spoke in jest to the woman, “Huwag kang mag-amen-amen dyan. Halika dito! Ang beso-beso?” and pointed to his pouting lips.

When the woman was ready to go down from the stage, the President decided to continue getting to know the OFW. He asked, “Dalaga ka?"

The woman answered, "Hindi. Married po.”

Upon learning that the Pinay’s husband was not in the audience, Duterte persisted asking for a kiss on the lips and said, “Kaya mo sabihin na biro lang?”

The crowd went wild in cheers as the President got his kiss on the lips.

The President appeased everyone and said, “Huwag ninyong dibdibin 'yun. Ano lang 'yun... pampasaya ng mga tao. Gimmick.”

During his 2-hour speech, the President also pointed out the corruption of the Catholic Church in the country. He said, “If God wants me to be President, I will be President. The God that I believe in, 'yung God kap*tahan yung istorya ng Katoliko, kalokohan.”


Netizens react on the “kiss”

Several netizens and allies defended the President’s act as simple a “joke.” The Palace has been adamant that the President is not a misogynist and an“anti-woman.” They repeatedly pointed out the laws and policies Duterte passed to protect women.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan Secretary-General Renato Reyes was among the first to call out the President. On Facebook, he wrote, “Possible Harry Roque and Bong Go explanations on the #PresidentialKiss.

1. Sadyang mapagmahal ang Pangulo.
2. Sadyang mapagbiro ang Pangulo.
3. May tumulak sa Pangulo (parang si Alden at Maine sa Eat Bulaga).
4. Nagtilian at nagpalakpakan ang audience so ok lang ang ginawa ng Pangulo

On Twitter, Duterte was also lambasted by netizens who called it “gross” and “unpresidential.”




— Sally, The Summit Express



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