Former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Atty. Salvador Panelo dismissed Vice President Sara Duterte's recent statements as exaggerated remarks or mere figures of speech.
"Unang-una natatawa nga ako. I’m amused by the reaction ng mga detractors niya, binabanatan siya. Ang problema sa kanila, they’re taking her literally," Panelo said in an exclusive interview with DZRH for Damdaming Bayan on Monday.
"Yung kanyang remark is a hyperbole na tinatawag. An exaggeration," he added.
The Vice President's press conference on October 18 sparked controversy when she made bold statements and revelations about her candidacy for Vice President alongside President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as well as their professional relationship.
One notable statement was when she warned Senator Imee Marcos, the sister of President Marcos Jr., in a group chat that she would exhume the remains of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the current president's father.
According to Panelo, Duterte's remarks were simply casual talk among friends. He noted that her friend, Senator Imee Marcos, did not react to the statements, indicating that she did not take Duterte’s comments seriously.
"Ang ibig lang talagang sabihin ni VP Sara, ‘tantananan niyo na ako. Huwag niyo akong banatan ng banatan kasi I will not be sitting idly watching you assault me. I will fight back," said Panelo.
When asked about VP Sara's comments regarding the notion of beheading Marcos after a graduate was allegedly embarrassed for requesting a watch as a graduation gift, Panelo stated that it was simply an exaggeration and not intended to be taken seriously.
Panelo stated that the two leaders are not friends and only formed a partnership for the elections.
"Hindi naman sila magkakaibigan in the first place. Hindi naman magkaibigan si BBM at VP Inday. Nagkaroon lang ng alliance because of convenience," Panelo explained.
“Hindi mawawala ‘yung personal na offense ng bawat isa sa isa," he added.
Panelo mentioned that healing can still occur over time despite the current events. He suggested that a viable solution is to avoid making passive-aggressive comments and to focus on performing their respective duties.
