Duterte slams Robredo for criticizing his remark that officials may accept gifts

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte Tuesday chided Vice President Leni Robredo for criticizing his remark that officials may accept gifts that were given out of gratitude, saying the country would be "dead" if she becomes its chief executive.

Duterte stirred controversy last month after he told police officials that giving gifts out of generosity or gratitude is not bribery. Critics, including Robredo, pointed out that government personnel are bound by the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Another critic of the president's statement was Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who said insatiable greed "starts with simple, petty graft" and "could be more addicting than drugs."

READ: 'It cannot be bribery': Duterte tells cops to accept gifts

Speaking during the awarding of outstanding government workers in Malacañan, Duterte said his statement was based on the provisions of the Anti-graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

"I quoted the very words (of the) anti- graft and corrupt practices (act). There are exemptions, nominal, and I use the word nominal and out of gratitude. Hindi naman ako basta ano ng bunganga (I just don't talk without basis)," Duterte said.

Duterte went on to lambast Robredo, implying that she does not read the law.

"Tapos si Leni talaga kasi ilegal and unconstitutional. Hay. Sabi ko ma’am kung ikaw ang presidente ng Pilipinas, patay (Leni claimed it's illegal and unconstitutional. I said, ma'am, if you are the president of the Philippines, we're dead). You do not even read a book," the president said.

"If you’re the one, tell ma'am, and if she can vouch (for) your integrity and talent, if you want, I will appoint you all as vice president," he added.

READ: Reacting to Vera Files report, Palace says Duterte does not receive gifts

Duterte said he could forgive Lacson for his criticism because he is not a lawyer.

"I can forgive Lacson for coming out with an erroneous tongue but not Robredo, who is a lawyer," he said. 

But during the oath-taking of vice governors also Tuesday, Duterte said Lacson has a penchant for commenting on latest issues.

"I think he (Lacson) is running for president. I would caution him to be more circumspect... Trying to be a crusader but ignorant," Duterte said.

READ: DILG: Actually, cops shouldn't accept gifts 'of monetary value'