Aguirre respects Poe ‘barker’ comment, says Luneta rally remarks ‘joke only’

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Monday said he respects Senator Grace Poe’s remarks urging him to administer justice fairly and not to moonlight as a ‘perya’ (carnival) barker during the gathering of supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte in Luneta Park. (Photo: Grace Poe/ Facebook)

MANILA –Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Monday said he respects Senator Grace Poe’s remarks urging him to administer justice fairly and not to moonlight as a ‘perya’ (carnival) barker during the gathering of supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte in Luneta Park.

“She has the right to say that,” Aguirre said when asked for a comment.

Aguirre however clarified that he just wants to entertain the crowd during the rally.

”Alam mo parang political rally yan eh, masyado sila. Pag sa political rally, parang entertainment,” Aguirre told reporters on Monday.

When asked if he was only joking during the pro-Duterte rally, he said “Ano pa? Wala silang sense of humor.

”Next time, my speech will be more appropriate,” he added but noted that his critics are only “making a mountain out of a mole hill.”

During the rally, Aguirre asked the crowd on who they want to be put behind bars next. The crowd shouted the name of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.

”Meron kayo gusto niyo isunod sino, tulungan ninyo ko. Maraming salamat sa inyo itong ginawang pagdalo sukatan na tuloy-tuloy ang pagsuporta sa Pangulo,” Aguirre said.

Trillanes and De Lima are two vocal critics of the Duterte administration.

De Lima is currently detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center due to drug raps filed against her before the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Branch 204.