Palace refutes senator’s ‘destabilizer-in-chief’ remark

FILE: Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announces during a press briefing in Malacañang on July 19, 2018 that the Landbank of the Philippines, the Department of Agrarian Reform, and the Department of Agriculture have launched the Accessible and Sustainable Lending Program for Small Farmers. The program aims to increase the income of small farmers, especially the Agrarian Reform beneficiaries, by providing them with financial assistance for their agricultural needs at a low interest rate of 6% per annum. TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — Malacañang on Friday refuted opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros’ “destabilizer-in-chief” remark against President Rodrigo R. Duterte, saying the chief executive continues to gain high public acceptance.

“It is ironic that Senator Risa Hontiveros, who spends so much of her time undermining the efforts of this administration, would refer to the President as ‘destabilizer-in-chief’,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

Last Thursday, Hontiveros hit Duterte for accusing the opposition of plotting moves to unseat him.

Roque defended Duterte, saying the President has made “significant strides” in his election promises to fight illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption.

“There is high public appreciation and acceptance of his actions,” Roque said.

“Many Filipinos agree that when there is peace and order, the economy thrives. Adult joblessness as well as crimes are decreasing,” he added.

Roque emphasized the need for all government officials to focus on helping the Filipino people, particularly those affected by landslides in Itogon, Benguet and Naga in Cebu.

“During this challenging time when the nation must stand as one because of the tragedies that befell our farmers from Northern Luzon, the miners of Itogon, Benguet to the residents of Naga, Cebu, what our people expect is a moratorium from excessive politicking from our elected leaders,” Roque said.

Duterte is set to visit on Friday afternoon the victims of a landslide in Naga, Cebu that reportedly killed 15 people. Reports said dozens remained missing in the landslide set off by heavy rains last Thursday.

Last Monday, the President visited the victims of Typhoon Ompong-triggered landslide in Itogon, where the death toll has risen to 43 while scores of others are still missing.