Duterte jokes about rivalry over Senate presidency

DAVAO CITY — President-elect Rodrigo Duterte Tuesday joked about the race for the Senate presidency, which has become tense due to differences over the designation of committee chairpersons.

 

In a speech delivered before businessmen in Davao City, Duterte claimed that his incoming Cabinet members were Filipinos who are “ready to do their share in nation building.”

 

He then spotted his political ally Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, whom he mistook for Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, another contender for the Senate presidency.  

 

Duterte then apologized to Pimentel, saying he has had laser treatment for his eyes. 

 

“Pero mas gwapo ka kay Tito (But you are more handsome than Tito),” he told Pimentel, drawing laughs from the audience. 

 

Duterte then remarked: “Yung kalaban mong isa, nandito (One of your rivals is here).” 

 

He was referring to his defeated running mate Sen. Alan Cayetano, who was seated apart from Pimentel. 

 

Duterte, nevertheless, said he would not side with anyone in the race for Senate president.

 

“Both of them are my friends. I am neutral,” he said.

 

Pimentel is the president of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan, the party of Duterte. 

 

Cayetano has criticized Pimentel’s choices for committee chairpersons, saying they are not supportive of the incoming president’s agenda. They include incoming senator Leila de Lima and returning Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who have been critical of Duterte’s plans on suppressing crime.