MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo does not deserve such “unkind,” “un-gentleman-like’ attitude from Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. even if her remark on diplomatic passports was wrong, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal said Tuesday.

“If Robredo’s remark was an error then that statement does not deserve nor merit such unkind and so un-gentleman-like attitude from a foreign secretary,” Macalintal said Tuesday in a statement.

This was after Locsin called Robredo “boba” via Twitter over her views on the cancellation of the diplomatic passport of former foreign affairs secretary Albert Del Rosario, who was barred from entering Hong Kong last June 19.

READ: Locsin calls Robredo’ boba’ and asks someone to ‘give her a brain’

“Mr. Secretary, for the long years that I have known and admired your intelligence I never thought you’d ever be off-guard in treating a lady who happens to be the Vice President of our country who was elected in the same process and ballots and certificates of canvass as President Duterte who appointed you to that position,” Macalintal said.

“Calling her ‘boba’ or stupid just because she made a remark that ran counter to his official action does not fit well to the fine gentleman that was Teddy Locsin I previously admired,” he added.

But Locsin already apologized for his social media outburst and said he did not mean to be disrespectful.

“I don’t mean to be disrespectful Ma’am,” Locsin said. “But there are things that require a measure of study & thought. Please ask me next time. At your service, Ma’am.” (Editor: Eden Estopace)

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