- Mocha Uson still enjoys the trust of the President.
- Pres. Duterte defended Mocha Uson’s freedom of speech.
President Rodrigo Duterte is not keen on firing Presidential Communications Operations Office Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson.
In a statement by Malacañang Spokesperson Harry Roque, he said that Mocha still enjoys the trust and confidence of the president.
“She has not been fired. For as long as she has not been fired, she enjoys the trust and confidence [of the President] because all presidential appointees serve at the pleasure of the President,” said Roque.
Mocha was able in the middle of controversy after posting a video of Ninoy being kissed by 2 ladies in defense of President Duterte’s controversial kiss with an OFW.
That post drew the ire of Ninoy’s daughter Kris Aquino which led to her emotional yet strongly worded Facebook and Instagram live video message.
While President Duterte through his aide Bong Go already apologized to Kris and even confirmed that Mocha is also issuing her apology, Mocha refused the call and instead took to her Facebook account again answering Kris’ tirades.
President Duterte seemed also not planning to sanction or reprimand Mocha saying she’s entitled to her freedom of speech.
In his speech at the inauguration of Mactan Cebu Terminal 2 airport, President Duterte while acknowledging having apologized to Kris for the incident he defended Mocha’s action as part of her freedom of speech.
“No, as I respect the opposition, I must also respect the people in my camp. She has invoked the right of free expression, freedom to express,” said the President.
“Once mag-invoke ka ng ganun, wala na akong magawa [Once you invoke that, I can’t do anything],” Duterte added.