Palace on Duterte kissing an OFW: It’s a playful act accepted in Filipino culture

Malacañang sees nothing wrong with President Rodrigo Duterte kissing a married overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Seoul, saying it is “very [much] accepted in the culture of Filipinos.”

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said there was “no offended party” in the incident.

“The lady who was kissed has clearly expressed that she was honored with the kiss,” Roque said in an interview with CNN Philippines on Monday night.

READ: ‘It’s a once in a lifetime experience,’ says Filipina kissed by Duterte in Seoul

He said the President’s gesture was a light moment accepted in Filipino culture

“I believe that an overwhelming majority of Filipinos continue to support the President and found the kiss a light moment that is very accepted in the culture of Filipinos,” he said.

He added it was accepted because it was “a playful act.”

“There was no malice. The woman made it clear that she didn’t think that there was malice in it. It was intended as a light moment, let’s leave it at that,” he said. “It was not an issue to the woman so it was not an issue to the President.”

“And if you were there, the Filipino community appreciated the act. It was an act of endearment intended towards all OFWs,” he said. /ee

READ: Duterte’s meeting with Filipinos in Korea sealed ‘with a kiss’

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