Palace has rebuked PH envoy to Japan over ‘reward’ quip — Guevarra

President Rodrigo Duterte named Menardo Guevarra caretaker of the national government. MALACAÑANG PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has already rebuked Philippine Ambassador to Japan Jose Laurel V for claiming that President Rodrigo Duterte’s third trip to Japan is a “reward” to Cabinet members for the administration’s win in the May midterm elections.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, who was named caretaker of the Executive Department while the President is in Japan, said this Wednesday when asked what disciplinary action the Palace would give to Laurel.

“He has already been rebuked by the Palace,” Guevarra told reporters in a text message.

“Let’s wait and see if there’ll be any further action by the President or by the SFA (Secretary of Foreign Affairs),” he added.

In a press briefing in Tokyo, Laurel said the trip was a “reward” from the Chief Executive who is “elated” with the victory of his candidates in the recently concluded elections.

READ: Duterte’s Tokyo trip a ‘reward’ for Cabinet execs after May 13 polls – PH envoy

Laurel’s remark did not sit well with the Cabinet members who were part of Duterte’s delegation to Japan.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo even said that Laurel’s statement was “illogical” sincw the President barred his Cabinet from campaigning during the elections.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez and Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, who were among the 16 Cabinet officials in Duterte’s delegation, separately denied Laurel’s remark.

Meanwhile, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said the officials in Japan were with Duterte to work and not for mere “decoration.” (Editor: Cenon B. Bibe Jr.)

READ: Palace says Cabinet execs in Duterte’s Japan trip not mere ‘decorations’

READ: Japan trip a ‘reward’ to Cabinet execs? ‘Illogical,’ says Palace