Alvarez says remarks not specific to friend Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — Former House speaker Pantaleon Alvarez maintained yesterday that he remains a close friend and ally of President Duterte.

“OK pa naman kami. Hindi banat iyun. My statement was intended for my province lang. Hindi ko naman alam na aabot sa national (media) iyun. In fact, it was said in our local dialect,” Alvarez said, referring to his remark on his local radio program in Davao del Norte, adding that he was unaware it would be picked up by national media.

With two years left before Duterte’s six-year term ends, Alvarez reiterated that he remains the President’s friend and is not shifting loyalty to the opposition.

“That will not happen. I will not leave the administration camp. I’m still the secretary general of PDP-Laban,” Alvarez said.

He stressed that Duterte is intelligent and smart.

“I did not insinuate that he does not have brains,” Alvarez said, adding the President’s bravery is not a put on and everyone knows he is brave.

During the radio program, Alvarez asked his constituents to “choose a President who has brains, not just one who is all courage.”

Alvarez emphasized that what he said was not a dig at the administration as there were no serious political rivals in Davao.

He urged his constituents to be responsible voters.

Alvarez reiterated that his statement was not meant for Duterte, but for the next president.