Singapore seeking legal advice on ‘misleading’ pro-Duterte Facebook post

Singapore is seeking legal advice over a 'misleading' online post continuously being shared on social media, which claims that its Prime Minister, Lee Hsien-Loong, is supporting the presidential bid of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

In a statement on its Facebook page on Monday, the Singapore Embassy in Manila said it "takes a serious view of the misleading FB post. We are seeking legal advice."

"We also request the immediate removal of the post, which is a clear misrepresentation," it added.

This is the second time that the embassy appealed to the Filipino people to stop sharing the post after it belied last week that its Prime Minister is endorsing the presidential front-runner.

When sought for further comment, the embassy of Singapore in a text message sent to GMA News Online said: "We decided to put up a second clarification this morning because we view this incident seriously and we want it  to be taken down. It is still being shared around so we will not let go of the matter."

Last week, a photo of Prime Minister Lee with the caption "Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is the only presidential candidate that could make Philippines like Singapore" circulated on Facebook.

This was immediately denied by the embassy, calling it "mischievous" and "untrue."

"Singapore does not endorse any candidate. The choice is for Filipinos alone to make. We wish the Philippines well in the conduct of its elections," it said.

Last month, an online meme was also seen on Facebook, saying Pope Francis admires Duterte for his "honesty" - a post quickly denied by Filipino Catholic bishops.

Recently, the tough-talking presidential aspirant drew flak for his joking remark on the gang-rape and murder of an Australian missionary in 1989.    

Australia and the United States envoys in Manila also reacted to Duterte's remarks, saying rape is an issue that should not be taken lightly. — RSJ, GMA News