MANILA, Philippines – English political commentator and comedian John Oliver devoted a section of his HBO show to President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial kiss with a married Filipina in South Korea.

In a YouTube video of the Last Week Tonight segment posted on June 10, Oliver shows a clip of the kiss and then reacts by wailing and exclaiming, “That felt so grotesque!”

He also described the “build-up” to the kiss as “uncomfortable” after showing how overseas Filipina worker Bea Kim appeared reluctant and nervous as Duterte bent toward her for the kiss.

Oliver went on to compare Malacañang’s defense of the kiss with how United States President Donald Trump bragged about kissing and groping women back in 2005.

“In fairness to Duterte, ‘it was an act of endearment towards Filipino workers’ is certainly a more creative justification of that sort of behavior than ‘when you’re a star, they let you do it,'” said Oliver.

Oliver also made fun of how Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo justified Duterte’s kiss in an ANC interview, saying Kim was “tickled pink” by the President’s behavior.

“Please stop saying ‘tickled pink.’ I know it’s not technically a dirty phrase but you’re making it absolutely disgusting,” quipped Oliver.

He also pointed out how one cannot equate Kim’s obvious support for Duterte to her willingness to be kissed by him in a public event and on live television.

“Fan or not, she repeatedly pulled away from him. Sometimes women just don’t want to kiss you,” said Oliver.

Duterte has come under fire for his misogynistic remarks and behavior toward women. Malacañang has attempted to justify this, saying they are part of the President’s “style” and that most Filipinos find it acceptable.

Duterte himself shot back at critics saying they are merely “jealous” of the women he has kissed. – Rappler.com