President Duterte has accused Senator Richard Gordon of using the funds of the Philippine Red Cross, a non-government organization (NGO) that the latter chairs, for his supposed bid for the vice president post in the 2022 elections.
Duterte made the statement as the Senate probes the government's purchase of supposedly overpriced coronavirus (COVID-19) supplies including personal protective equipment (PPEs) from Pharmally last year.
In his second pre-recorded public address this week, the President asked Gordon if he was really conducting an investigation in aid of legislation.
"Gordon, are you really investigation in aid of legislation, or in aid of your personal political interest?" Duterte said late Thursday evening, September 2.
According to the President, Senator Gordon was planning to run for vice president, a position that Duterte himself is eyeing in the 2022 polls.
"I heard that you want to run for vice president next year and you want to impress the opposition that they would consider you? Totoo ba ito (Is this true) Gordon?" Duterte said.
"Alam mo tatakbo rin ako, mag-usap lang tayo. Pwede namang ikaw ang maging vice president kung karapatdapat ka (You know that I will also run so let's just talk. We can have you as the vice president-- that is if you are deserving)," he added.
Duterte hit Gordon for the plan of the Philippine Red Cross to sell Moderna vaccines at P3,500 per shot when a dose of the said COVID-19 vaccine brand only cost around $51 or around P2,500.
"There is an extra of 1,000. Ano ang gamitin mo nito (What will you use it for) in the light of the pandemic situation in the Philippines?" the President addressed Gordon.
"Is this a fair move of yours during the time when the Philippines is suffering from, just like other nations, the effects of pandemic?" he added.
The Chief Executive wondered if the Red Cross was already preparing for Gordon's campaign in 2022.
"Is the Red Cross saving money so that it would eventually pass a resolution to set aside a big amount to fund your elections plans, just like the funds you used in the 2010 and campaign?" Duterte said.
President Duterte added that Senator Gordon has been treating the NGO as a milking cow.
"Ginagamit mo itong Red Cross, and I dare say na ginamit mo talaga ito para sa elections (You are just using Red Cross and I dare say that you are really using it for the elections)," he said.
"Ito ang milking cow mo, eh. sa totoo lang (This is your milking cow, to be honest)," he added
According to Duterte, it was time for Gordon to step down from his post at the Philippine Red Cross.
"You've been there for quite a time. Is it not fair to say now that bumitaw ka na and give others a chance at para mahinto na ang ginagawa mong kalokohan (so that you will also stop with your shenanigans)?" he said.