In congratulating Kylie, Duterte hits at CHR critics: Lahat kayo mga pangit

Even in congratulating newly-crowned Miss International Kylie Verzosa, President Rodrigo Duterte couldn't help but take a dig at critics from the Commission on Human Rights.

Duterte was asked about his thoughts on Verzosa's victory shortly after he arrived from a visit from Japan on Thursday night. Duterte had a chance to meet Verzosa earlier this week with the pageant taking place in Tokyo.

Verzosa was crowned shortly after Duterte's plane had taken off.

"I am always happy if our beautiful women win all the titles. Kasi Filipino tayo eh. It gives us konting hambog, it lifts... parang mayabang tayo na 'O, kita mo, magaganda ang mga aming Pilipinas,'" Duterte said.

But unable to resist, he added: "Pero lahat kayo diyan sa human rights commission mga pangit."

Duterte has long voiced out his frustration over being the "whipping boy" of human rights advocates dating from his days as Davao City mayor. He has also bristled at criticisms of human rights groups over the rising death toll of his administration's war on drugs.

Duterte, meanwhile, said he is looking forward to being face-to-face with Verzosa again.

"I'd like to meet her to congratulate her," he said. --Bernadette Parco/JST, GMA News