‘Murderous dictator Duterte serenaded Trump’ – Bette Midler

Bette Middler. (FILE PHOTO / RUBEN V. NEPALES)

American singer-actress Bette Midler has called President Rodrigo Duterte a “murderous dictator” after the Philippine leader serenaded United States President Donald Trump at a gala dinner in Pasay City.

In a Twitter post she made on Tuesday, the Hollywood star said:  “Murderous dictator Duterte serenaded Trump with a Filipino love song. Vlad, somebody’s tryin’ to steal your man!” the American celebrity posted.

Murderous dictator Duterte serenaded Trump with a Filipino love song.
Vlad, somebody’s tryin' to steal your man!

— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) November 13, 2017

Duterte sang “Ikaw” – a popular Filipino love song – upon the request of Trump during the gala dinner on November 12, 2017 in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

In her tweet, Midler mentioned “Vlad” which apparently refers to Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

Supporters of Duterte swiftly responded to Midler’s post.

One Twitter user said: “U dont know what u are talking about. Pres Duterte was voted by 16million Filipinos for a greater Phils.”

On Sunday, a Twitter post of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary for Legal Affairs and Priority Projects lawyer Karen Jimeno showed Duterte singing with singer Pilita Corales.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I sang an invited duet with Ms. Pilita Corrales upon the orders of the commander-in-chief of the United States,” Duterte said after singing.

The Philippines, as the current chair of the Asean, hosted the gala dinner at the SMX Convention Center. Mr Duterte was joined by his long-time partner Cielito “Honeylet” Avanceña in the special event. /kga