MANILA – After the backlash she has received because of her controversial pre-debut photoshoot, Isabelle Duterte has gained the support of President Rodrigo Duterte as well as PCOO Asec. Mocha Uson.
Some netizens have expressed their disapproval of the president’s granddaughter’s photoshoot calling it “disrespectful” and “inappropriate.” Some even say that it violates Executive Order 310 protocol.
The president himself has defended his granddaughter saying that photoshoot was not a big deal.
“Kadugo ko ‘yan eh. Small matter, gamitin lang ‘yung Malacañang,” he said during his speech on Manny Pacquiao’s birthday celebration last December 17.
He also added that the photoshoot is just like when Malacañang visitors take photos of themselves inside the palace.
“Wala naman ako doon. But even if I [were] there, itong granddaughter ko magpa-picture, lahat nga ng mga bisita pumupunta diyan, nagpapa-picture eh,” he said.
Uson, a known supporter of the administration, was also vocal on her Facebook page when she posted her thoughts regarding the matter last December 16.
“Wala naman ginastos na tax ng bayan dito at wala namang nilabag na batas,” she said.
Uson also addressed other people’s comments about the photoshoot’s suggestive display of wealth saying that even ordinary people spend a huge sum of money for parties and debuts.
“Kahit nga yung mga hindi kaluwagan ang buhay pero pag nag debut ang anak mo halos mag pyesta na ang buong baryo niyo. Ito ay apo ng Presidente natin. Bigyan naman natin ng konting pag unawa,” she said.
The Palace has also released a statement regarding the issue last Friday, December 15. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said it shouldn’t be an issue.
“The President is entitled to live in Malacañang. He opted not to pero siguro naman mga kamaganak niya, sarili niyang apo, puwede magpa-picture-picture sa Malacañang,” said Roque.
Isabelle Duterte has also released a statement of her own via Twitter where she said that people should focus on “more alerting issues.”
In the said photos, Duterte is shown posing alongside the presidential seal while wearing glamorous ball gowns designed by high-end fashion designers.
