Er, are people meant to be impressed by this?
Philippine Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol wants everyone to know that President Rodrigo Duterte is a simple man. So much so that he was all praises for him in a Facebook post yesterday, which shows the head of state eating a bowl of sardines.
In the post, he said that Duterte refused the baby back ribs with vegetables and rice that was served during a cabinet meeting and asked for sardines instead.
“This shows that this man who now occupies the highest position in the country has not been weaned from his humble beginnings,” Piñol said.
The photos were taken by Executive Secretary Bingbong Medialdea and were eaten up by Duterte supporters who were also quick to sing the president praises.
“Love our President! Very simple and low maintenance,” Facebook user Desire Ofalla
Gener Jr. Laquihon called Duterte “the ever humble president.”
“I am proud of your simplicity. With your leadership philippine (sic) can be great again,” Tomas Co Jr. wrote.
But not everyone was convinced by this “everyman” image, with some calling Piñol out for his post.
John Rod Lingues said he believes Duterte’s preference for sardines is true but does not like that the secretary posted about it.
“It’s just that, we need no more of this publicity. Let him eat, no need to publish that because first of all, he’s doing a bad job – and his genuine desire for sardines isn’t relevant,” he said.
Laura Peralta called the president out for allegedly letting “those around him loot taxpayers’ money.”
“What do you call that? Still humble? I say ineffective,” she said.
The president has always positioned himself as a simple guy. Just last week, Duterte’s camp shared photos of him eating a simple meal in a carinderia (food stall).
Many love him for it but some think it’s all for show.
Duterte also regularly slams so-called “elite” politicians. In a speech late last month, he alleged that the media did not want him to win the presidency because he’s not part of the political elite.
“I am not your president,” he said, directing it to the media. “I am for the people. Because the people voted for me.”
Duterte maintains that he’s not part of the political elite despite being mayor of Davao City for more than two decades. His father was also in politics and Davao City continues to be a stronghold for the family where his daughter is currently mayor.
