Dear Rodrigo Duterte, is that your final answer?
The presidential candidate from Davao has left people scratching their heads wondering if he is apologizing for his remark about a murdered Australian rape victim — or not.
On Tue morning, Apr 19, his spokesperson Peter Laviña released a statement attributed to the mayor.
It said, “I apologize to the Filipino people for my recent remarks in a rally. There was no intention of disrespecting our women and those who have been victims of this horrible crime. Sometimes my mouth can get the better of me.”
That same day, another report came out where Duterte was quoted saying he knew nothing about the apology statement released by his political party, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan.
However, later that evening, while in Ioilo, Duterte backtracked and said he had actually approved the statement, reported Alex Ho on CNN Philippines.
Yesterday, Apr 20, Duterte confirmed in an ABS-CBN News interview, that he was, indeed, “taking back” his rape remark.
“That’s correct. I take my word back. Nag-apologize na ako,” he said.
Asked about the apology statement released by Laviña, he said, “Sundan ko na lang (I’ll just follow it).”
