Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte reacted to criticism from Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, stating that there is a significant difference between discussing immorality and the actual commission of immorality. 'Talking about immorality is not the same as committing it,' Duterte said during an impromptu interview. The president also put forward his understanding of Remulla's problem. 'Possibly, as a lawyer, he should have understood this immediately, but evidently, as some say, some act hastily, and others absorb information slowly.'
Despite GMA News's attempt to reach out to Remulla for comments, there was no response at the time of publication of the article. Remulla, a lawyer by education, noted that the Department of Justice is studying the potential legal consequences of Duterte's statements, adding that it could violate certain 'moral principles.' 'This tarnishes a person's memory and the moral status in which he should have been, departed from life.'
Vice President Sara Duterte responded to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, accusing him of misinterpreting the law after he referred to her recent statements as 'very troubling.' Remulla's comments came in response to Duterte's statement that if attacks against her continue, she is prepared to dig up the corpse of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and throw him into the waters of the Western Philippine Sea. 'Let it be known to the Philippines, because we have a justice minister who does not know the law. We consider both moral and legal aspects,' it is stated in Remulla's statement.
