MANILA - Stop using the term "Dutertards" in referring to President Rodrigo Duterte's supporters, actress Kris Aquino urged the firebrand leader's critics.
"I resent calling anyone 'tards.' Kasi I have a special son so I'm sensitive to that even if it's a term that is used widely," Kris told reporters earlier this week on the sidelines of a press conference for a brand, her first public appearance since she severed a 20-year tie with ABS-CBN.
The term "Dutertards" is a portmanteau of the firebrand president's surname and the derogatory term "retard." It is usually used by his critics to label his most avid supporters.
Aquino said that she sympathizes with Duterte, because she saw how critics spoke about her brother, former president Benigno Aquino III.
She added that she has taken her cue from her brother, who has kept mum on issues concerning the current administration.
"If my brother is respectful enough to want to give this administration a chance to succeed, why won't I do the same? Siyempre, there will be missteps. Hindi naman lahat kakampi mo. Pero ako, gusto ko siyang mag-succeed," the outspoken TV personality said.
During his term, former president Aquino was troubled by allegations of autism, which he denied. He was also labeled "abnormal" by opponents of his administration.
