Unkempt? Palace defends Duterte’s loose necktie

SOCHI – Malacañang shrugged off criticism that President Duterte was a bit unkempt when he wore a loose tie during his meeting with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Wednesday.

Saying Duterte is hygienic and emits a refreshing scent, presidential spokesman and chief legal counsel Salvador Panelo yesterday dismissed criticism of the President’s look, which became a topic on social media.

“President Duterte does not look unkempt,” Panelo said. “What those kibitzers referred to was the way he wore his tie. He loosened it up. He feels suffocated and uncomfortable if the tie is tightly in place in the collar.”

Panelo said Duterte meant no disrespect toward Medvedev.

“No disrespect. As to the refreshing scent, you should find that out for yourself when you get close to him. That’s what the ladies tell me when they kiss the President – ang bango daw (he smells good),” Panelo explained.

Medvedev apparently did not mind Duterte’s loose tie when the Russian prime minister posted on his official Twitter account that he was delighted to see the Philippine leader.

Duterte wore a loose tie and an open collar as seen in photos released by Malacañang.

 “The President dresses up for comfort. He is not particular on unsettling other people,” Panelo said.

A journalist from Czech Republic, Pavel Vondra, posted a photo of Duterte on social media.

“Rodrigo #Duterte showed up a bit unkempt for the meeting with the Russian PM Medvedev in Moscow and the Russian internet is having a blast: ‘Did he drink all night? Did he just leave the pub? Do Filipinos know what a (state visit) protocol is? people ask. #DuterteinRussia,” Vondra captioned the photo.

Palace defends Pinoy celebrities

The government did not spend a single centavo for Filipino celebrities who flew to Russia to join the President in his five-day official visit to Moscow, Panelo clarified.

Panelo made the clarification after photos of actors Cesar Montano and Philip Salvador as well as comic Moymoy of Moymoy Palaboy in Moscow were posted on social media.

The presidential spokesman said the actors, who are avid supporters of Duterte, went to Russia on their own.

 “They came to Moscow on their own. The government did not spend for their fare and hotel accommodations,” Panelo said.

The President is set to meet the Filipinos residing and working in Russia tomorrow.

Panelo said Salvador, Montano and Moymoy are expected to entertain the Filipino community for free.

 “As far as I know, when they entertain the Filipino community while waiting for the arrival of the President, they are not paid,” Panelo said.

“They have been doing that during the presidential campaign. They just happen to be genuine and rabid fans of the President,” he added.

Lawyer Larry Gadon, who filed an impeachment case against former chief justice Lourdes Sereno, was also seen in photos along with the group at Red Square.

Some congressmen led by Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano also joined the President.

Panelo said he is leaving it to the Protocol Office to confirm if the congressmen were part of the delegation.