Baste Duterte speaks out against discrimination

MANILA – Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, the youngest son of President Rodrigo Duterte, has issued a strong statement against discrimination among Filipinos.

Speaking during the recently concluded FightCon which was held at the Amoranto Theater in Quezon City last Saturday, the young Duterte emphasized that not everyone with tattoos and piercings is a drug addict.

“Hindi ibig sabihin kapag may hikaw ka sa bibig at may tattoo ka sa katawan, addict ka na, rebellious na. No. It’s not always ganoon,” he said.

He said there are people who do not have body tattoos and piercings but are addicted to illegal substances.

Rather than doing drugs, the presidential son said: “Yes to sports, yes to music, no to drugs. Very basic, just follow it. Alam niyo namang nakakasira 'yung drugs, bakit niyo pa gagawin?”

Baste also encouraged everyone to keep an open mind as he shared his own experience back when he was in high school.

“I studied in San Beda. Akala ng mga kaklase ko, dahil taga Mindanao ako, Muslim na ako. Ano ba iyon, ‘di ba? It’s not even bad to be a Muslim pero bakit may ganun silang idea na kapag taga Mindanao, Muslim ka na? I’m not saying it’s discrimination but pakiusap naman, open your minds,” he said.

Baste has become a surprise heartthrob during his father's campaign.

However, he has shown little interest in being under the spotlight, having a shy and quiet demeanor opposite his dad's brusque and no-nonsense approach to things.

The younger Duterte, who has garnered quite a following online, has also said he has no plans of entering the world of politics and following the footsteps of his father and elder siblings, Sara and Paolo.

He, however, assured his father that he would help him if he asks for his assistance on anything.