TINIYAK ng Palasyo na una si Pangulong Duterte na susunod sa Anti-Bastos Law matapos naman niya itong pirmahan bilang ganap na batas.
“Since the President signed that law, it means that he recognizes the need of that law. And since he is the chief enforcer of all laws of the Philippines, he will be the first one to obey the law,” sabi ni Presidential Spokesperson at Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo.
Iginiit pa ni Panelo na nagbibiro lamang si Duterte at hindi nambabastos sa harap naman ng kanyang mga pahayag sa mga talumpati.
“Teka muna, teka muna. Unang-una kasi, you’ve assumed that the President is bastos, naging bastos. He never was bastos. When he cracks jokes, it was intended to make people laugh, never to offend. If you will just listen to the jokes of the President talagang matatawa ka eh, matatawa ka. Audience … ‘di ba, they give a hearty laughter. Hindi naman bastos,” giit ni Panelo.
Ito’y matapos na pormal na maisabatas ang Republic Act 11313 o ang Safe Streets and Public Spaces Act na naglalayong mapigilan ang “gender-based sexual harassment”.
“Iba kasi iyong pambabastos. You women should know that. Iba ang dating ng bastos at saka iyong nagpapatawa lang,” giit ni Panelo.