Exclusive - Sen. Sotto Criticizes James Taylor After Manila Show Cancellation: 'You have nothing to fear if you're not drug pusher or user.'

On Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III had some choice words for five time Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter and guitarist James Taylor

"If you are not a pusher or a user, you have nothing to fear in the Philippines" Sen. Sotto said in response to the cancellation of Taylor’s Manila show.

Taylor posted an apology on Twitter for the sudden cancellation of his show in February. In the post, he said he was eagerly looking forward to preforming in the Philippines but was compelled to reconsider after the rampant extrajudicial killings in the country. While he didn't consider himself a political artist, he expressed his concern over a government which condones the EJKs.

Taylor wrote: “The scourge of addiction is a worldwide problem and does serious harm, not only to the addict but to our society. For a sovereign nation to prosecute and punish, under the law, those responsible for the illegal trade in drugs is, of course, understandable, even commendable; but recent reports from the Philippines of summary executions of suspected offenders without trial or judicial process are deeply concerning and unacceptable to anyone who loves the rule of law.”

"I offer my heartfelt apologies for any inconvenience or disappointment this may cause my Filipino friends but I must now announce that I will not be preforming in Manila this February." he added.

Taylor plans to continue with the rest of his tour in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand as scheduled.

However, Sen. Sotto may have misunderstood Taylor's stance as he issued this response to the singer's tweet.

“Who loves the rule of law? Or loves the lure of drugs?!” the actor-turned-senator asked.

Sotto also claims that Taylor's remarks are baseless and that his statement shows the US's tolerance of illegal drugs.

“(It’s) not just baseless, it’s a sign of how illegal drugs [are] tolerated in their country kaya takot sila sa (that’s why they are afraid of the) strong arm approach to dangerous drugs,” he added.