PRRD always conscious not to offend LGBT sensibilities

FILE: Malacañang on Friday said President Rodrigo R. Duterte still believes that corporal punishment is an effective way of disciplining children that is why he vetoed a bill banning its practice. KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — Malacañang on Tuesday defended President Rodrigo Duterte from backlash following the chief executive’s remark that he used to be gay in his younger years.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said he saw nothing wrong with Duterte admitting that he changed his sexual orientation, noting that he has taken an effort not to offend the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) community.

“Baka naman ang ibig sabihin niyang gamot eh, ‘nagpalit ako ngsexual orientation ko’ (Maybe what he meant by cured means he changed his sexual orientation)” Panelo said.

“But let me say that the President is always conscious on not offending the sensibilities of these special classes,” he added.

During 2016 presidential campaign period, Duterte expressed openness to the idea of allowing same-sex marriage in a predominantly Catholic country.

About year later, the President changed his mind and said he would not support same-sex marriage since it would violate the law.

However, his former spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte is in favor of legalizing civil union for same-sex couples.