A mask of President Duterte which is supposed to be marketed as a Halloween costume has started to sell like hotcakes in a Philippine-based online market.
Trader Nelson Leung however was quick to clarify that the mask, which is sold at P700, is never intended to insult the president or even allude to his controversial war against illegal drugs.
“Ako na nakaisip na i-consider na Halloween costume ’yung mask sa online pero nagkataon lang talaga kasi nga he is very popular and malapit na ’yung halloween,” said Leung. “May fear naman talaga kay President Duterte pero ito ’yung mga involved sa drugs. Also, I voted for him as president.”
While Duterte has gained support in his war on drugs, critics here and abroad have censured his leadership and blamed the uncompromising chief executive for the death of nearly 3,000 people since assuming office last June 30.
Leung, who’s into the plastic business, is actually the one providing the materials for industrial designer John Tan, the one responsible for designing the mask.
“Actually before si President Duterte, we also did a mask of Manny Pacquiao which had a lot of orders since ginawa namin last year,” added Leung “Gumagawa lang kami ng mask whenever mayroong sikat na personality.”
Leung meantime is hopeful Duterte will appreciate the artistry of their work the way the president appreciated the impersonation of comedian Jose Manalo.
“Nakita naman natin na natuwa si President Duterte noong ginagaya siya ni Jose Manalo. Like him, gusto din lang namin na may ganitong mask na matutuwa din ang mga tao,” added Leung.
Since posting the product last Sunday, Leung and Tan already received order in the hundreds and is expected to surpass the order of Pacquiao masks which reached 1,200 orders. (DENNIS PRINCIPE)
