By John Ezekiel J. Hirro
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte discusses matters with Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque on the sidelines of the 22nd Cabinet Meeting at the Malacañan Palace on February 5, 2018. ACE MORANDANTE/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
Palace spokesman Harry Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte’s habit of going on profane rants was not unique to the chief executive, as he claimed it was normal for elderly people to curse frequently.
“Hindi naman po [nagugulo],” Roque said in GMA News’ The Mangahas Interviews after he was asked if Duterte’s profane nature would affect younger generations.
“Kasi alam naman po nila na presidente naman ‘yun, [matanda na], hindi na puwede magbago,” he added.
Roque claimed that Duterte’s generation has a habit of cursing frequently.
“Ganyan naman po ang kultura ng mga Pilipino sa mga matatanda. ‘Yung ating henerasyon lang naman ang hindi nagmumura e,” said Roque, who is 21 years younger than the 75-year-old president.
Duterte is infamous for throwing harsh and profanity-laden tirades toward his critics and members of the opposition.
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, which has now affected 603,308 Filipinos, crudity has remained on Duterte’s tongue when addressing the public and giving updates in his weekly addresses.
Duterte’s controversial remarks included not only hate-fueled rants against “yellows” but also erroneous claims.
Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo is the often target of Duterte’s rants.