Briefing turns nostalgic as Duterte praises execs

President Rodrigo Duterte in a briefing with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on Aug. 2, 2020. (File photo by KING RODRIGUEZ / Presidential Photographers Division)

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte’s weekly late-night briefings, for a huge part of the pandemic, has been a source of updates on how the government has been fighting COVID-19.

But on Monday, his “Talk to the People” engaged in a bit of nostalgia as Duterte and his Cabinet officials looked back on the administration’s “achievements,” while praising each other for their efforts.

It started after Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade presented his department’s efforts and programs, which earned praises from Duterte, whose six-year term ends in June 2022.

“Look, I was awed actually looking at the slides and the way you — you have not changed, your passion for achievement has always been there. I said I’m awed actually. I’m happy for the country that I got you. Thank you, for your tireless toil, and I am ready to pass you on to the next administration as a gift,” Duterte said, speaking partly in Filipino.

“Honestly, it’s hard to make a projection, but it would be a waste for you not to continue in government. We’re all limited by six years. But I’d be happy to hand you over to the — whoever wins. But I know that you want to retire. Let’s all retire together. The only one who’s not retirable here is Secretary Briones,” Duterte said in jest, referring to Education Secretary Leonor Briones.

But Tugade brushed aside all the praises, saying that he was only doing what Duterte had instructed them.

“‘That’s what I can show the people — that through you, we were able to deliver all these things that we see now  At least, you have left something on your own. You have left a legacy,” Duterte said.

“Sir, that’s your mandate — to make the Filipino life convenient and comfortable. We have done nothing but make the Filipino life convenient and comfortable in accordance with your mandate,” Tugade replied.

Duterte was also all praises for Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. his adviser for the peace process and vaccination manager during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This made Galvez, a former chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, turn emotional.

“You know Secretary Galvez, so far you’re so good,” Duterte said. “From Day 1, really, let’s just say, any superior would be very happy to have you — actually, all of you. I will also hand you over… If only I could give you all as a gift — you, Tugade, [Defense Secretary] Delfin Lorenzana. The Philippines will be OK. Retain Dominguez, because he will produce money even from using printed machines,” he said.

He was referring to Finances Secretary Carlos Dominquez III.

“Mr. President, sir, I’m emotional because I’m just rendering service because you are such a kind president. And all of us in the Cabinet follow you because of your straight leadership. And your kindness to us cannot be duplicated,” Galvez replied.

He gave similar praises also for Education Secretary Leonor Briones and Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

“Thank you, Secretary Mon. I am — it’s really heartening to know that we are recovering on all fronts, making a better today than yesterday. And I can only say that nothing short — not really spectacular, but [nothing] short of a very fulfilling,.. For me, we’re doing fine and recovering from the pandemic,” Duterte said, addressing Lopez.

“Secretary Briones, I’m aware of your fervor in educating the Filipino youth, and I’ve always relied on your wisdom to do what is next, — what I will do. And so far, I said that it has been splendid work done by you. I knew that you would be of great help — this is not to flatter you — in the education of the Filipino young people. And again I thank you also for your dedication,” he said.

Duterte then repeated his often-repeated joke on how to get things done: “Failing students,” once they get in government, should appoint the best students in his class.

“That’s what I always say. That was the advice that I would give… If you’re just ordinary, [getting a grade of]  75,  get the valedictorian to give our orders. Turn things around. Usually, it’s the valedictorian who gives orders to those who got 75, 74. But I turned that around. I said I got the best minds,” Duterte said.

He also talked about the approaching end of their term, saying that it might be good to let the people know what they had accomplished.

“We are nearing the end of our trip.  So it’s good for them, for the listening public to [know] what were the sentiments that we poured in our work, and what were the paradigms that we followed in our being Filipino,” he added, after Briones’s report.

This was not the first time that Duterte talked about his impending exit from the presidency. Last February, he said that he was already preparing to pack his things for his departure from Malacañan Palace, saying that he would leave as early as March.

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