MANILA–Filipino senators reminded President Rodrigo Duterte to take his job seriously, as his supposed “jokes” on the West Philippine Sea have implications on the country’s national security and foreign policy.

Senator Panfilo Lacson said on Tuesday, May 11, that Duterte’s remarks on China’s illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea make it “confusing” for the military, which takes orders from the Commander-in-Chief.

“Tuwing magsasalita ba ‘yung Pangulo, tayo ‘yung mag-a-analyze pa? Totoo ba ‘yan o biro? That’s very confusing ha. Eh seryoso ‘yung topic. ‘Yung presidency is no joking matter. I think the presidency is serious business,” Lacson told reporters in a virtual press briefing.

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