ALAMINOS CITY—Vice President Jejomar Binay on Friday called rival presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte “abnormal” for insulting and antagonizing allied countries United States and Australia, senior citizens, women and children.
He dared Davao City Mayor Duterte to undergo physical and psychological checkup for free in Makati, saying the stress of the campaign could be taking its toll on Duterte’s mental and physical health.
“Hinihikayat ko si Mister Duterte na magpatingin na agad sa psychiatrist. Mukhang sobra na siyang naaapektuhan ng stress sa kampanya,” Binay said.
“I also urge him to undergo as well a full physical examination, at siya mismo ang nagsabi na siya ay may malubhang sakit.”
Binay said he hoped Duterte’s mental and physical conditions had not worsened “because of the stress of dealing with reality.”
He said it was “most unfortunate” for Duterte to say he would sever the Philippines’ ties with the US and Australia if he won the presidency after the ambassadors of the two countries assailed his comment that he should have been the first to rape Australian missionary Jacquelin Hamill who was raped and killed by prison inmates.
Binay also chided Duterte for belittling senior citizens and making fun of those who had been paralyzed by a stroke.
“No God-fearing person wishes harm on another person even his political enemies,” Binay said.
Duterte’s confused reply to the charges filed against him by women’s rights advocates could be a sign of deteriorating mental health.
Binay said he could not understand why Duterte, a lawyer and a former fiscal, was “apparently confused about the concept of freedom.”
“This could be due to his psychological condition,” Binay said, referring to the “Antisocial Narcissistic Personality Disorder” Duterte is reportedly suffering from as revealed in a psychological report conducted and submitted as evidence during the annulment of his marriage to his wife Elizabeth Zimmerman.
“For all his wrongdoings, he tends to rationalize and feel justified. Hence, he seldom feels a sense of guilt or remorse,” the assessment said of Duterte.
Binay slammed Duterte for invoking his freedom of speech to defend his “slurs against women and his comments about raping a dead Australian missionary,” saying “freedom comes with responsibility and accountability.”
“May kalayaan daw siyang insultuhin ang kababaihan at pagtawanan ang panggagahasa. Anong klaseng salita ‘yan?” Binay said.
“Mister Duterte should know that freedom comes with responsibility and accountability. It is not freedom from responsibility and accountability, especially when you not only demean women but violate their rights.”
Binay said Duterte should assure the people that he was of sound mind and body, especially if he was to become president.
Duterte disclosed last year that he was suffering from Buerger’s Disease, an inflammation of the blood vessels in the arms and legs primarily associated with smoking.
In December, Duterte also admitted he might not be able to finish a president’s full six-year term if he won.