LOOK: Comment from Presidential Spokesperson's Facebook page insults journalists

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 27) — The Presidential Spokesperson's verified page on Friday posted a negative comment against two journalists in the midst of a news briefing carried live on Facebook.

The comment made by the official account of the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson read: "(laughing emoji) si pia at si lourd devera pantay na sa kakupalan (laughing emoji)"

Roughly translated in English, the comment levels contempt at two journalists considered idiots.

It was not immediately known what topic or issue may have incited the comment. It has since been deleted, but not before it was screenshot and made viral on other social media platforms.

Malacañang said the comment was made by someone with access to the account who was no longer connected with the presidential spokesperson's office.

"The Office of the Presidential Spokesperson said the comment was posted by a former page administrator who is no longer connected with the office," the statement said.

"The said comment does not reflect the official and personal views of the Presidential Spokesperson or his office on the individuals being referred to," it said, adding that the administrator's access to the page "was immediately removed."

The "Pia" referred to in the comment is unknown. But two journalists named Pia Ranada of Rappler and Pia Gutierrez of ABS-CBN regularly cover the Palace media briefings. In Friday's briefing, Ranada asked Task Force Bangon Marawi Spokesperson Toby Purisima a question regarding foreign assistance and European Union aid for Marawi City's rehabilitation. Gutierrez did not ask a question during the briefing.

The "Lourd Devera" in the comment may have been referring to Lourd de Veyra, a broadcast personality and singer known for his anti-administration stance.

The comment was made during a Facebook livestream session of Mindanao Hour. The briefings are usually hosted by Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella. On Friday, he was represented by Assistant to the Presidential Spokesperson China Jocson.

CNN Philippines Senior Correspondent Ina Andolong contributed to this report.