MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – “I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend your right to say it.” These are the famous words of President Rodrigo Duterte whenever he addresses the issue of free speech.
But somewhere along the way, Duterte’s words got lost in translation. At the Philippine National Police (PNP).
In a video which captured incarcerated Leila De Lima being escorted by police, the escorts seemed to have been engaged in some synchronized coughing which all but muted the Senator’s responses to questions by the media.
The Adobo Chronicles sought Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque’s comment on the incident.
His response: “Unfortunately, the police escorts assigned to De Lima have all been diagnosed with tuberculosis.”
Hence the coughing.