Senator Richard ‘Dick’ Gordon earned the ire of netizens and TV viewers after losing his temper and professionalism’ during a phone interview with GMA morning show Unang Hirit.
On Tuesday, May 26, the chairman of the Philippine Red Cross was interrogated by reporter and news anchor Connie Sison about the COVID-19 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests that the organization has performed on the thousands of returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the country.
The organization was accredited by the Department of Health (DOH) to conduct swab testing to the OFWs as one of the requirements before they could return back to their respective homes, especially to those who are living in provincial areas.
During the interview, Gordon talked about the PCR test kits that the agency uses to detect COVID-19 and clarified that the cost of the test is P3,500 and not P4,500 as what rumors said. The real-time reverse transcription-PCR test kits use actual swabs with samples taken from the patients’ throat or nose.
The senator further explained the process of RT-PCR testing as well as the reasons it takes time to release the result and certification, adding that the Philippine Coast Guard had to send 24 boats to collect swabs from 33,000 OFWs and seamen.
The interview seemed to run smoothly until Gordon interrupted Sison who was supposed to ask her final question with: “Can you listen to me please? Kasi parang hindi ka nakikinig” and added, “I’m sorry, but I have to be very frank.”
He went on with his explanation by saying, “Importante ang mga sinasabi natin…na dapat maintindihan ng tao. We have to test and there is payment because ‘yong China, sinisingil tayo niyan. ‘Yong mga (provider) ng testing kits, sinisingil tayo, tinataas pa nga nila.
“Gusto nila pag bumili ka ng isang machine ngayon, bibili ka ng 20,000 to 30,000 test kits...Magkano isa, 15 dollars to 18 dollars. Multiply niyo. Milyun-milyong dolar na ‘yan,” he continued.
Sison tried to explain: “Sir, this is the reason why we’re actually getting your side, para mas maplantsa” to which the PRC chairman responded, “There is no side! Excuse me, there is no side!”
He also rambled that he didn’t care for other people who compared the PRC testing to more rapid tests being done in other places.
The tension grew when the news anchor tried to get Gordon’s opinion on the matter.“Okay, at least your opinion on this. Kasi eto ho ang tanong din ng ating mga kababayan, Sir.“
As she remained calm, the senator seemed to lose his patience and raised his voice live on national TV. “No, no! Don’t tell us na meron kayong [balak na] pagsasabungin kami,” he ranted.
Sison tried to end the interview in a respectful and polite tone, “Alright, Senator. Naku, magandang umaga naman ho naman sa inyo” but the fired-up Red Cross chairperson answered with, “Hindi! Pagod na kami!”
As a response, she said, “Thank you so much for your time, Senator Dick Gordon” to which the fuming senator replied with, “Sige!”
On social media, netizens who were able to watch the live phone interview were not pleased with Gordon’s unprofessionalism. While some pointed out that money can’t buy class, some suggested that the PRC chairman should step down from his position rather than ranting to the public that he’s tired of working, not considering what the frontliners feel at this time.
On Twitter, a netizen wrote: “Dick Gordon’s interview right now with Unang Hirit is one of the most unprofessional things I’ve ever listened to. Hindi excuse ‘yung pagod na sila sa Philippine Red Cross para maging mapanumbat siya.”
Another twitter user also reacted, “Gordon may be likened to a vicious guard dog. He will bark at anyone, endlessly, unless it’s his amo! He will lick his amo all over, mostly in the ass! I’ve been with some Red Cross chapters for a while before, and I know how politicians use it for personal gains.”
Furthermore, netizens stressed that getting tired is not an excuse to be unprofessional and cover up for their shortcomings as they are public servants who were elected by the Filipinos.
“Once they decided to run for election and won they should always have the confidence for everything na dumating na pagsubok it’s a lame excuse coming from a gov official if you’re tired then quit give the position to those who really deserve, has the passion & confidence to lead us.”
“I just watched the interview. What a dick. I get the frustrations and all, kasi lahat tayo natatakot sa virus. Pero para sabihin nya na napapagod na sila? Oh my gosh. That’s the last thing na gugustuhin nating marinig from a gov’t official. buti nakapagpigil si ms. Connie.”
“‘pagod na kami’ is never an excuse. public servant kayo at hindi namin kayo inobliga na maglingkod. kayo nakiusap sa tao to be in that position.
Meanwhile, some also lauded Sison’s professionalism and composure for remaining calm all throughout the interview with Gordon.
Here are some of the comments:
Dick Gordon's attitude is horrendous. As usual, being a dick. Being true to his name. Nakakagalit. MAS PAGOD KAMI! It really shows that no matter how well-educated a person is, entitlement is not a good look on anyone. Treat people w respect. Fucking unprofessional. Disgusting! pic.twitter.com/Bb8e0nWaPt
— Kerwin King (@imkerwinking) May 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/koronelmagnet/status/1265059358557102085
Dick Gordon's interview today in Unang Hirit shows that no matter how well-educated a person is, you can really never teach him the value of respect.
I understand his outrage but he could've expressed it in a more respectful manner. His message would've come across clearly.
— franz (@franzbellezas) May 25, 2020
https://twitter.com/geeumlas/status/1265069642650796032
Dick Gordon's interview today in Unang Hirit shows that no matter how well-educated a person is, you can really never teach him the value of respect.
I understand his outrage but he could've expressed it in a more respectful manner. His message would've come across clearly.
— franz (@franzbellezas) May 25, 2020
Connie: Alright senator, magandang umaga ho sa inyo. Sana ho ay –
Dick Gordon: Ay hindi, pagod na kami!
—
This is just a proof that you can buy anything with your money, but you can't buy class.Today, 'Dick' Gordon lived up to his name.
What a dick.
—
(@_pearsonspecter) May 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/DrJeromeCleofas/status/1265093778404081665
Connie Sison defines what is calmness and professionalism when you are under attack by a prick Dick Gordon
— Birthday Boy Steph Curry
(@zouthbound23) May 26, 2020
Common Sen Dick Gordon. Harsh naman masyado. Kudos to Ms Connie Sison for staying calm.
— Reigil (@Reigil2) May 25, 2020
https://twitter.com/xiiiribbit/status/1265098745911246848
https://twitter.com/JervenCharles/status/1265102902202298368
