Duterte suffers backlash over personal attacks on De Lima

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte drew the ire of many netizens following his attacks on Senator Leila De Lima on Wednesday, August 17, with both supporters and detractors saying that his his comments were uncalled for.

“Duterte is acting like a 12-year-old. When someone criticizes him, the only response is ‘Oh, you are ugly, you smell bad.’ Man is that the best Philippines has to offer? What about (if) he responds to questions with fair and just answers. Isn’t he a lawyer, why doesn’t he respond with how his action is consistent with Philippine law and the constitution?” said one commenter on the story.

Another netizen noted: “Nakakaumay na ‘tong si Duterte. Lahat ng pumupuna sa pagpatay niya sa mahihirap eh binabangga at hinihiya nya (Duterte is getting tiresome. He’s hitting and shaming everyone who criticizes the killing of poor people.)

“Duterte, bastos (you’re rude). Face the inquiry and hope you come clean. This is democracy,” netizen Tommy David added.

Even Duterte supporters aired their disappointment over the President’s remarks.

“I’m not in favor of [what] President Duterte did. Is he not an adulterer too? I voted him, but I’m not blinding my eyes to his foul language. We all deserve respect. Personal weakness should [be] set aside when blasting someone because of their contradicting perspectives,” Yarizo Dacles said.

Duterte Vs De Lima – Curated tweets by MovePH

Activists said Duterte’s comments take the fight for gender equality and women’s rights backwards.

#LabanLeila

Supporters of the senator aired their support on social media, with many saying that she should continue the fight against extrajudicial killings.

“What a woman! I admire her fierceness to defend herself. I support her because the administration really has to explain about killings of these poor drug users. Many celebrities are using drugs but the arrests are not violent. The poor ones ended in violent deaths. Government officials have a chance to defend themselves. There’s a lot of question to what is happening now,” a commenter said in one story.

A Duterte supporter added: “Hindi ako supporter ni De Lima pero nagtataka talaga ako bakit ba sukdulan ang galit niyo sa kanya? May ginawa ba siya sa inyo? (I am not a De Lima supporter, but I’m reall wondering why you have the utmost hatred for her? Did she do anything to you?)”

On Twitter, the hashtag #LabanLeila trended with netizens airing their support for the senator.

#LabanLeila – Curated tweets by MovePH

What do you think of the President’s comments? Tell us your thoughts on X! – Rappler.com