Duterte hits Diokno for criticizing COVID-19 response

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 4) — President Rodrigo Duterte hit rights lawyer Chel Diokno for criticizing him on the coronavirus response.

“Alam mo Chel Diokno, kayong opposition na dilaw, wag niyong ipilit ang pagkatao ninyo... Kayo nagpatakbo ng black propaganda kasi malapit na ang eleksyon,” Duterte said in his late Friday night surprise address.

[Translation: You know what Chel Diokno and the yellow opposition, do not push yourselves...You ran the black propaganda because the election is nearing.]

He added, “Sabihin ko ngayon sa taong Pilipino, kung ayan ang mga taong ipalit ninyo sa susunod na election, torpe talaga ang Pilipino.”

[Translation: I would like to tell all Filipinos, if you will vote for them on the next election, then Filipinos are really silly.]

Diokno has been vocal against the government’s actions in handling the coronavirus crisis. He said the National Bureau of Investigation is running after ordinary citizens criticizing the administration.

His opinion did not sit well with Duterte, who criticized Diokno’s loss in the senatorial race last year.

“Itong si [Chel] Diokno, magsalita parang janitor. At saka tumakbo ka ng senador, eh hindi kayo ... binoto ng tao. Alam mo kung bakit? Pwede kitang biruin? 'Wag kang magalit. Alam mo kung bakit hindi ka nanalo? Kasi kalaki ng ngipin mo. Magsalita kalahati ng panga mo lumalabas,” said Duterte.

[Translation: Diokno sounds like a janitor whenever he speaks. You also ran for senator, but people did not vote for you, you want to know why? I’ll make fun of you, do not get mad. Your teeth is big. Whenever you speak, half of your mouth shows.]

“Bakit binabastos kita? Galit ako sa’yo.”

[Translation: Why am I being rude to you? Because I’m mad at you.]