LAWYERS are normally bound to adhere to a Code of Ethics whereby each member is expected to exercise civility, decency and good conduct toward a fellow law practitioner.
So, it is disturbing to note that the President, a lawyer and former prosecutor, will carry a running word war embellished by insults and name calling.
The rift started when Senate initiated an investigation into the ambiguous purchase of medical equipment and supplies: face masks, face shields and personal protective equipment by an undercapitalized company, Pharmally Pharmaceutical which was allegedly backed up by individuals identified with President Rodrigo Duterte, particularly Michael Yang, erstwhile economic adviser and some shady Chinese characters.
What got the goat of Senator Richard Gordon, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, was the astronomical price tags of the purchased items bought with taxpayers' money.
The President, known for mouthing invectives and insults called Gordon a corrupt despot and with big belly while also being chairperson of the Philippine Red Cross, a private humanitarian organization.
In retaliation, Gordon called Duterte a cheap politician: You're a cheap politician, Mr. President, as cheap as they come.
He added: It's hard to support you because you don't act like a president.
Indeed, Duterte has shown on several occasions that he could stoop low just to berate or shame people, an act not expected from the top executive of the country.
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PRRD dissuaded his cabinet members from testifying in the Senate investigations saying it is just a waste of time.
Previously, he downplayed and mocked the role of the Commission on Audit (COA) which is constitutionally mandated to protect government funds and properties.
As a final word, Gordon lambasts the President thus: The truth, Mr. President, does not mind being questioned. Only liars mind. They don't want to be challenged by questions they find hard to answer. They can't answer so they have someone answering for them, Attorney Duterte. He's lawyering for them.