Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello understands Duterte’s pre-departure remarks against Obama and called the American president a “lame duck”.
The word “lame duck” is loosely defined in politics as an elected official whose successor has already been elected. It connotes an official having less influence with other politicians due to limited time left in office.
This is how Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Sec. Silvestre Bello III addressed United States Pres. Barack Obama following Duterte’s remarks before he left for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN forum meeting on Monday.
The Cabinet secretary also said he understands very well from where Duterte was coming from in making those statements.
Bello said, “I thought the President is bright. Why did he do that? Maybe, he remembered that President Obama is already a lame duck president. In a few months, he will leave his office”.
Sec. Bello said, when asked if Duterte’s statement would have any effect on Filipino workers in the United States or on American investments in the Philippines, “I think he is more concerned about the welfare of Filipino workers than establishing a strong relation with an outgoing president”.