By Junex Doronio
MANILA – Leaders of the House Quad Committee have urged former President Rodrigo Duterte to avoid using profanity and inappropriate language in formal legislative hearings, warning that such behavior could set a negative example for Filipinos and undermine respect for legislative institutions if tolerated.
Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez and Manila Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante stressed that Duterte’s conduct may encourage citizens to mimic his use of foul language, particularly in tense situations.
“Siguro kung siya ay isang private person lang, magsalita siya ng ganyan, magbiro siya, ay okay pa. Pero pag isang dating Pangulo ng bansa ay nagbiro ng ganyan… nakakatakot iyan,” Abante remarked.
Duterte recently testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, where he used profanities during his statements.
The lawmakers argued that legislative records are part of history and should not be marred by inappropriate language.
“Nakakahiya tayo… wala man lang nag-stand para i-delete o tanggalin ‘yon sa record ng Senado?” Fernandez commented.
He vowed that if Duterte uses similar language in Quad Comm hearings, he would ensure it does not make it into official records, to uphold the institution’s decorum.
Abante added that the issue is not merely about profanity but also the specific context of Duterte’s words.
“But the thing is this, yung PI, hindi lang mura ‘yan eh. Nanay ko, tinutukoy mo d’yan eh,” he explained, noting that the Filipino expletive in question goes beyond a simple insult, making it especially offensive to Filipinos.
Abante stated that if Duterte resorts to such language in a Quad Comm hearing, he would raise a “point of order.”
“We should not allow any vulgar statement in this hearing,” he insisted.
Both Abante and Fernandez emphasized the need to maintain standards of conduct within the legislative body, particularly in hearings involving sensitive issues like human rights.
When asked how they would handle a scenario where Duterte uses profanity in the Quad Comm, Fernandez explained, “We will try to remind him. Tapos pag paulit-ulit pa rin, then we have to take action.”
He stressed the importance of setting boundaries to prevent further incidents, given the Senate’s recent tolerance of Duterte’s behavior.
Abante expressed disappointment over the lack of intervention during Duterte’s Senate testimony.
“I want our people to know na lahat ng pronouncement ng Pangulo kahit na pagmumura niya, recorded po ‘yan sa Malacanang,” he noted.
ia/mnm
