‘MADALI LANG’ | Duterte, who passed one law as congressman, claims it’s easy to make laws

September 23, 2021 , 02:05 PM

(September 23, 2021) – President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday claimed it is easy to author laws as he went on to lambast senators questioning his administration’s dealings during the COVID-19 crisis.

Duterte particularly singled out Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, a member of the opposition, for allegedly focusing on the technicalities of the purchases of COVID-19 supplies from Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation. As he has done countless times in the past, Duterte also hurled insults to belittle Pangilinan.

“Puro kayo analysis, analysis, analysis at it results to a paralysis. Kayo raw ang magtrabaho. Madali man ang magsulat ng batas. Eh ako, i-dictate ko lang ‘yan eh,” said Duterte in his public address.

Duterte was angry at Pangilinan for delving into the nuances of Bayanihan 1 in terms of procuring COVID-19 supplies without having to undergo the usual bidding process.

“Do not question us about the effectivity of the law. How do you arrive at the correct interpretation of the effectivity of the law? Do not ask us. Tanungin mo sarili mo. Basahin mo ‘yang ginawa ninyo,” said Duterte.

But Duterte’s performance as Davao City representative from 1998 to 2001 was not exceptional. He even described the job as “boring.” Duterte was quoted in reports as saying he would go to the mall or watch movies due to his disinterest in being a lawmaker.

Records from the House of Representatives showed that only one out of the 11 bills where Duterte was listed as the main author passed into law. His lone successful measure as a congressman declared the third Friday of August as a special holiday in his hometown of Davao City.

Despite his track record as a legislator, Duterte has continued to attack lawmakers to defend his allies involved in the anomalous deals. He asserted that the purchases from Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation were made when Bayanihan 1 was already in effect, contrary to some claims.

“Anong klaseng senador ka?” said Duterte, addressing Pangilinan. “Mag-debate ng technicalities habang mayroong global pandemic. You know, you do not go into such trivial matters.”

Pangilinan, president of the Liberal Party, was one of the lawmakers partaking in the hearings of the Senate over the P11.7 billion worth of contracts awarded to Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation, which is linked to Duterte’s former economic adviser Michael Yang.

Pangilinan scored government officials and company executives for the P550 million worth of expired test kits, exacerbating the grave health situation of the country. Pangilinan also hit the “unusual” P33 million goods that Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation donated to various agencies.

Duterte has chosen to take a defensive approach to shield his allies from criticisms, hitting the senators for “politicizing” the issue. He, however, praised the separate probe being done by the House of Representatives.

(PM)

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