Two House leaders on Thursday criticized Vice President Sara Duterte’s controversial use of the word “bobo” in response to questions about her frequent foreign trips, saying such language is unbecoming of a national leader and undermines the standards of public office.
“It’s uncalled for,” said House Assistant Majority Leader and Manila 1st District Rep. Ernesto Dionisio Jr., reacting to Duterte’s statement that those in the administration criticizing her travels are either deliberately misunderstanding or simply “bobo,” or stupid.
“Each leader—same goes with House members—each position, basta leader ka ng isang bansa (if you are a country leader), there’s a certain decorum that you should follow,” Dionisio said at a press conference.
“I believe respect begets respect. Name-calling or throwing bad words at our neighbors will not get us anywhere,” he added.
Dionisio stressed that public officials are expected to set an example, especially for the younger generation.
He pointed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as someone who continues to show restraint despite political attacks.
“With so much criticism being thrown at him–this is my own opinion–he maintains that decorum of being a good leader,” Dionisio said.
House Ad Hoc Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation chairman and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong also raised concerns about the Vice President’s behavior and priorities, especially in light of her repeated overseas travels.
“She has her obligation here in the country. So I guess the question really is about the frequency of her travels abroad. Because if you are the official, you are also expected by the public to be present every time in areas where you are supposed to serve,” Adiong said.
While not surprised by Duterte’s remarks, Adiong emphasized that public officials must be held to higher standards in public discourse.
“That’s why we, as public officials, also have to call out whenever there are utterances or words, phrases that come out individually, not just specifically citing the Vice President,” he said.
He explained that the Vice President’s words do not reflect only on her, but on the office she represents.
“When she speaks about certain things and utterances, certain words, it does not only reflect her own personality but also reflects the office that she occupies, which to us should be held to higher standards,” Adiong said.
He urged public officials to focus on substance rather than insults.
