Duterte refers to PH as 'Republic of Marites': 'Lahat ng tao may tsismis'
President Rodrigo Duterte has referred to the Philippines as the "Republic of Marites," referring to the popular term nowadays for people who like to gossip.
After reading a written address thanking the candidates and Filipino people for participating in the elections, the outgoing president asked his Cabinet members if they wanted some gossip.
"Kung gusto niyo ng tsismis, marami ako," Duterte said.
"This is a Republic of Marites na ngayon. Lahat ng tao may tsismis. Babae, lalake. Noon sa mga babae lang 'yan."
The camera then panned to show some cabinet members laughing.
He continued that women named "Marites" were unlucky to be given the name, as social media has made the name a cultural shorthand for nosy gossipers.
"Nakakawawa mga babae na pangalan Marites talaga. Pagsabi 'dun sa classroom 'Marites' ganon, chismosa—lahat naman."
Duterte then moved forward to discuss the Presidential Transition Committee to ease the transition of the coming president-elect.
Though the exact origin of the "Marites" moniker remains unclear, it gained popularity in 2021 in light of some celebrity news. It's since become a nickname for someone who regularly consumes and dishes out gossip.
