President Duterte has been actively coming up with jokes that would make typhoon "Odette" victims laugh in his visits to the affected provinces.
On Thursday, Dec. 23 in Tisa, Cebu City, Duterte recalled an old punchline involving his constant companion and longtime friend-slash-aide, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go.
While Go only entered politics in 2019 when he ran for a Senate seat, some people might mistake him for veteran politician, incumbent Governor Arthur Yap of Bohol.
"Bong Go! Don’t you know him? He’s Arthur Yap’s illegitimate brother from Bohol," Duterte said in his speech before locals in Tisa. He was obviously referring to Go and Yap being dead ringers for each other.
"Remove your mask," the President urged Go, who had covered his face with a mask. "What, are you scared to die? Remove it. See, he’s handsome," he said, to the delight of the crowd.
This was not the first time that Duterte's referred to Go and Yap as being look-alikes. Yap was still Bohol 3rd district congressman in 2018 when the President remarked that he could pass off as Go's brother.
Yap served for three terms as Bohol representative, from 2010 to 2019.
The Chief Executive visited Bohol just a few days prior, since it was also ravaged by typhoon Odette.
"So what else can I say to make you laugh? If you need anything, the mayors, if you have any concerns, tell it to me now because all the officials are here with me as well. I’ll be able to provide you with a solution," Duterte told Cebuanos.
The President earlier announced that he would make trips to typhoon-affected regions even on Christmas and New Year, as he underscored the need for the government to work "overtime" in order to facilitate relief and rehabilitation efforts.