On Wed, Oct 5, presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella told everyone attending a televised press briefing that President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement about cutting ties with the United States should not be taken literally.
The Philippine Star quoted Abella as saying, “Dapat intindihin natin yung word na ‘cut ng ties.’ It’s a possibility that he could, that he might… Let’s try to use our creative imagination. ‘Wag tayo masyadong literal.”
(“We must under stand the phrase, “cut ties.” It’s a possibility that he could, that he might… Let’s try to use our creative imagination. Let’s not be too literal.”)
Abella pointed out that most Duterte’s statements are “expressions of frustration.” As such, it’s best if the public waits for him to clarify his comments.
“He carefully calibrates his statements so along that line, if we follow his style… Let us not simply just put a period at the end of his statements. Let’s wait for his clarifications regarding the matter,” Abella explained.
