Drop the vulgarity

The recent televised exchange between Rappler CEO Maria Ressa and presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo was a study in contrast and an example of tone revealing more powerfully than words.

On one hand, there was civility and a holding on to reason, while on the other, there was smugness, bullying and condescension.

Later on, insult would be added: “…she is all drama and rhetoric.”

Well, the daily practitioner would know. But as a wit once said, manners (not clothes) maketh man.

Another observation could be made about the appalling comment directed to former senator Francisco Tatad by the President, who perceived a slur in Tatad’s column (in another paper).

Mr. Duterte was “nabastos” — an interesting and rare instance of empathy with those who have similarly suffered from his words.

But what followed in reference to Mrs. Tatad is depraved. Public discourse can do without vulgarity.

VIRGINIA CALPOTURA, RSCJ, strvirginia@yahoo.com.ph