MALACAÑANG on Thursday defended President Rodrigo Duterte over his remark on same-sex marriage being practiced in the United States (US).
In a statement sent to reporters, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar clarified that the President is not against the same-sex marriages.
"The President had been depicted as against same-sex marriages and which had offended our allies in the LGBT (lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders) community," Andanar said in a statement sent.
"There is absolutely no truth to the insinuation that the President was questioning the principles of the United States of America in upholding same-sex marriages," he added.
Andanar made the clarification in response to news report by GMA News online entitled, "Duterte: US allowed same-sex marriage, where are their principles?”
Andanar explained that Duterte was merely calling out the US for giving aid and assistance to the countries in need but only upon certain conditions.
"The President was calling out the United States, which, he said, would offer aid and assistance to countries in need, such as Liberia, but only upon compliance with certain conditions lobbied and thereby imposed by local pressure groups, such as LGBTs," Andanar said.
"The President found it appalling that when such conditions were not met, the United States would unilaterally withdraw the aid and assistance, regardless of whether such withdrawal would cost lives and cause damage to the beneficiary. "
Andanar stressed that Duterte respects and will continue to acknowledge the rights of the LGBT community.
"The President has remained steadfast in respecting the rights of LGBTs, evident in his pioneering programs while still a local executive," the President's communication chief said.
"He will continue to uphold their rights and protect their well-being as the Chief Executive," he added.
He then appealed that media should remain firm in commitment to truth in reporting.
Earlier in the day, Duterte again lambasted the US as he cited its apparent discrimination to the LGBT community.
"The President then asked, "Where are the principles that they, the builders of America [espoused]?"
"They have groups there, the LGBT. They go to State Department guys, they go to Liberia and offer aid and assistance but they said come out with the law that would allow sex, same sex marriages," Duterte told reporters in Davao City.
"Where are the principles that the, the builders of America? They are lost along the way," the President added. (Sunnex)