President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. cracked a joke about creating a social welfare program for Filipinos who cannot move on from their situationships.
He said there seems to be high demand for such a program, given the large number of people involved in relationships that lack clear labels.
During the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) 74th anniversary celebration on Tuesday, the President was discussing the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) when he unexpectedly deviated from his speech to clarify that the SLP does not include skills training for maintaining a “sustainable love life.”
“Kung ang SLP ay para sa love life, siguradong dagsa ang aplikante,” the President said.
“Lalo na yung mga nasa situationship, yung invested ka na pero wala pa din label,” he added.
Marcos then teased DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, who has earned a reputation as an eligible bachelor ever since he began his political career in Valenzuela City in the early 2000s.
“Mayroon bang training para sa mga pusong laging nalulugi? ‘Yan yun mga ano, personalities without jowa. Nangunguna na diyan ‘yung inyong kalihim,” the President joked.
“Masyadong masipag itong ating Secretary, wala nang panahon para mag-romansa,” he added.
The President then reminded government officials to ensure that they are well-rested despite the demands of their jobs.
“Lahat naman sa inyo — the Secretary, the Usecs (undersecretaries) — kahit alas-tres ng umaga ay tumatawag ako, sumasagot. Hindi na yata kayo natutulog,” the President said.
“Matulog naman kayo paminsan-minsan at baka kayo ay magkasakit. Kailangan namin ng sigla ninyo,” he said.
Gatchalian chuckled at the President’s remarks.
“I just don’t talk about it,” the 46-year-old DSWD chief said when asked how long he has been single.
“I’d rather people talk about what we do in the department,” he added.