JERUSALEM — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday defended Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Margaux "Mocha" Uson, who recently drew sharp rebuke over a dance video on federalism that offended even allies of his administration.
Duterte said while Mocha has committed excesses, she is entitled to free expression.
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"Si Mocha maraming kalaban...There are things na tingin ko medyo nasobrahan (Mocha has a lot of enemies. I think there are things that went overboard)," Duterte said.
"But just the same as a president who is sworn to protect the constitution and enforce it, it is covered with the privilege—freedom of expression. Whatever they want to say, whether she is an employee of my office or outside as a private citizen, that is not really my concern. As long as it is covered sa provision ng Constitution—freedom of expression," he added.
Uson went under fire for uploading an episode of an online game show that featured a suggestive dance about federalism.
A pro-Duterte blogger gestured to his crotch and chest, and shouted "I-pepe, i-dede, ipederalismo," a chant that contained Filipino terms for the vagina and breasts.