MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte’s tough talk is not bullying but an expression of “dislike” and a warning to criminals to deter them from committing illegal acts, Malacañang clarified yesterday. Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte did not feel alluded to when Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle issued a reminder urging the people not to use power to bully others. You cannot be using power to bully or to coerce people. Asked to explain what the President does, Panelo said: “He expresses his sentiment on a particular matter, situation. During his second State of the Nation Address last year, Duterte admitted being a “bully” to the enemies of the state.

Source: Philippine Star December 18, 2018 16:10 UTC