Duterte proud of his Cabinet
President Duterte has nothing but pride for his Cabinet despite allegations that one of them, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, made insertions in the proposed 2019 national budget.
According to Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar, the President defended his Cabinet, particularly Diokno, during a Christmas party on Friday.
"Nagsalita siya na kaunti about doon kay Secretary Ben Diokno, iyong nangyari doon sa Kongreso (He
spoke a bit about Secretary Ben Diokno and on what happened in the House of Representatives)," Andanar said.
Andanar said the President expressed satisfaction with his Cabinet but reminded them not to get involved in corrupt practices.
"Ipinaliwanag din niya at ipinaaalala sa amin na, sabi niya na he is proud of this present cabinet na — actually, dominated by non-politician ang kanyang present Cabinet (He explained and reminded us that he is proud of his present Cabinet which is dominated by non-politicians)," he said.
"Ipinaaalala niya sa amin na iyong non-corrupt, iyong no corruption, iyong mga ganoon, tapos masaya siya overall. Masaya siya sa naging trabaho ng mga miyembro ng kaniyang gabinete (He warned us against corruption and said that he was overall satisfied with the work of his Cabinet men)," he added.
Duterte is being urged by members of the House of Representatives through a resolution to reconsider the appointment of Diokno for various allegations linked to him in the proposed 2019 budget worth 13.575 trillion.
However, Malacañang slammed the House of Representatives and said that its resolution and the conduct of some of its members during the Question Hour were “unparliamentary and not honorable.”
"This unparliamentary behavior has no place in the hallowed grounds of Congress, where members are referred to as “Honorable” as they represent their districts or sectors. There is no honor in browbeating a fellow worker and officer in government," Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo had said.
The Palace also asked Congress to refrain from interfering with the affairs of the Executive Branch, the same way President Duterte respects the decisions of the legislative branch of government.