I'm honored to be attacked for doing my job in Senate, Red Cross –Gordon

After President Rodrigo Duterte’s accused him of using the Red Cross as a milch cow, Senator Richard Gordon said it was an honor to be attacked for doing his job in the upper chamber and in the Philippine Red Cross.

“First of all, it is an honor to be attacked for doing my job, and for doing my job both at the Senate and at the Red Cross,” said Gordon, who was attending the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 3rd General Membership Meeting Friday, when asked for comment on the President’s remarks.

The senator added that he “stands behind” his record and the "good work" that he and the PRC have done for the country.

Gordon tagged Duterte’s recent verbal attack as “tragic,” saying he has not even announced his 2022 election plans yet.

“You know I’ve not even announced anything yet. I may not even run for the Senate anymore. I may not run for president or vice president or even run for mayor. Why am I being tainted?” Gordon said on Duterte’s claim that he uses the PRC funds for his electoral campaign.

“This is really tragic. I think it is an attempt by the President to try and distract the people once again. The matter at hand, sabi nga ni Sen. Lacson, nagpapa-panic siya because kami magpo-focus kami diyan, di muna ako makikialam diyan Mr. President.”

(Like what Senator Panfilo Lacson said, he is in panic mode because we are focusing on the issue. I will not pay attention to these remarks, Mr. President.)

Furthermore, Gordon said he was not “flattered” that Duterte was giving him attention.

“I should not be flattered, I can carry my own load. Di naman ako gano’n e. Ang pakiusap ko lang Mr. President, wag mo kong awayin para di kami makapag-focus dun sa dapat naming paghandaan at para mahuli natin yung talagang nangungulimbat. Sabi niyo bawal ang korapsyon sa inyo,” he said.

(I am not like that. My appeal, Mr. President, is, don’t berate us so that we can’t focus on the issue. Let us investigate and catch who pocketed the money here. You said you hate corruption, right?)

Gordon, chair of the Senate blue ribbon committee, reiterated his call for Duterte to direct his subordinates to answer the issues hounding the government’s procurement of overpriced medical supplies.

“I’m sorry, Mr. President. I’m not here to please you. I’m here to protect the Filipino people,” Gordon quipped.

In his taped address aired Thursday night, Duterte accused Gordon of using PRC as a “milking cow.”

"I dare say na ginamit mo talaga ito para sa elections. Ito yung milking cow mo eh. You have been there for quite a time. Is it not fair to say na bumitaw ka na to give others a chance para mahinto mo na yung ginagawa mong kalokohan," Duterte said.

He said Gordon was investigating the purchases of COVID-19 supplies not in aid of legislation, but to pursue his "personal political interest," adding he received news that the senator was interested in running for vice president during Eleksyon 2022.

Gordon earlier said he may seek the presidency in next year’s elections. — DVM, GMA News