Co-chairmen of the House Quad Committee has called on former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to refrain from using profanity and inappropriate language in formal legislative hearings, saying this could set a negative example for Filipinos and erode respect for legislative institutions if tolerated during proceedings.
Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez and Manila Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante stressed that Duterte’s conduct could encourage citizens to emulate the former president’s use of foul language, especially in tense situations.
“Siguro kung siya ay a private person lang, magsalita siya ng ganyan, magbiro siya, ay okay pa. Pero pag isang dating Pangulo ng bansa ay nagbiro ng ganyan… nakakatakot iyan,” Abante said.
Duterte testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and made profanities as he spoke.
The lawmakers argued that legislative records are a part of history and should not be tarnished by inappropriate language.
“Nakakahiya tayo… wala man lang nag-stand para i-delete o tanggalin ‘yon sa record ng Senado?” Fernandez noted.
He then vowed that if Duterte uses such language in Quad Comm hearings, he would ensure it does not make it to the official records, preserving the decorum expected in the institution.
Abante added that the problem is not simply the use of profanity, but the context of Duterte’s words.
“But the thing is this, yung PI, hindi lang mura ‘yan eh. Nanay ko, tinutukoy mo d’yan eh,” he noted, explaining that the Filipino expletive in question goes beyond a simple insult, which makes it particularly offensive to Filipinos.
If Duterte resorts to such language in a Quad Comm hearing, Abante stated he would raise a “point of order.”
“We should not allow any vulgar statement in this hearing,” he said.
Both Abante and Fernandez stressed the importance of maintaining the standards of conduct within the legislative body, especially in hearings involving sensitive issues like human rights.
When asked how they would handle a scenario where Duterte uses profanity in the Quad Comm, Fernandez explained, “We will try to remind him. Tapos pag paulit-ulit pa rin, then we have to take action.”
He emphasized the need to set boundaries to prevent further incidents, especially given the Senate’s recent tolerance of Duterte’s behavior.
Abante expressed disappointment that there was no intervention during Duterte’s Senate testimony.
“I like our people to know na lahat ng pronouncement ng Pangulo kahit na pagmumura niya, recorded po ‘yan sa Malacanang,” he noted.
