MANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and other Cabinet members continue to enjoy President Rodrigo Duterte’s trust and confidence unless stated otherwise, Malacañang said Monday.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque issued the statement after a newspaper report stated that the President was reportedly looking for somebody to replace Duque.
“Wala akong alam sa artikulo na yan at paulit ulit ko pong sinasabi, kahit sino pa po sa Gabinete, we all serve at the pleasure of the Presidente. Kung nawalan po ng tiwala ang Presidente, anytime, any Cabinet member can be removed,” Roque said during a televised briefing, when sought for comment on the reports.
(I don’t know anything about that article and I repeatedly say that any Cabinet member serves at the pleasure of the President. If trust is lost, the President can remove a Cabinet member anytime.)
“Habang hindi pa po natatanggal, meron pa pong trust and confidence,” he added, when asked if the President still trusts Duque.
(As long as he is not yet removed, there is still trust and confidence.)
Duque earlier drew flak after announcing that the Philippines was already experiencing its second wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections.
Malacañang and several lawmakers contradicted Duque’s statement which was later withdrawn by the Department of Health (DOH).