Duterte defends Duque
President Duterte has advised beleaguered Health Secretary Francisco Duque III “not to be too touchy about issues” as calls for the latter’s resignation for alleged incompetence and corruption continue.
“You know, don’t be too touchy about the issues because always there will be pros and cons. Let’s just listen to them because this is a democracy.
In a democracy, there is the favor of attacks, issues plus attacking the guy personally,” Duterte said in a televised address late Monday.
“I know you are hard-pressed and I know your situation. You just tell us... if that is the one that’s in... gray matter between your ears, tell us. If they don’t want to believe it’s up to you but that is my view. Maybe you should adopt that kind of attitude. So be it. If I committed the wrong, as long as there is no malice there,” he added.
President Duterte also said he is taking responsibility for the Department of Health (DOH)’s purchases of medical equipment.
The DOH is under fire over the purchase of allegedly overpriced medical supplies for the government’s response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Some senators have also questioned the agency’s decision to buy more expensive testing kits and machines.
Some groups have called for Duque’s resignation, saying he is no longer capable of leading the department.
“I would like the Filipino nation to know that I take full responsibility for my directive for them to rush (the purchase). I don’t care where you will get it, you steal and I remember saying it. I do not care whether you go and steal, borrow or kill a person to get what... needs to be done,” Duterte said in a public address delivered Monday night.
Duterte said it was he who ordered Duque to purchase medical supplies to enhance the country’s capability to fight the pandemic.
“I would listen to Secretary Duque. But I gave him the instruction and I admit it in public now... I told him, ‘Do everything you can.’ He said ‘There’s so many propositions.’ ‘I do not care. If it’s not cheap, if it is expensive, go – just go ahead and do something about it because we are boxed in the corner.’ And those were the early days,” the President said.
Asked at a press briefing yesterday what was preventing Duterte from removing Duque, presidential spokesman Harry Roque replied: “That’s up to the President. For now, none of the Cabinet members have been axed. That means the President still trusts all members of the Cabinet.”
Roque said the government would not investigate the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) because there was no irregularity involved.
“What will be investigated is the extraction machines and test kits because most of them, especially the test kits, came from one company in China and the prices vary depending on who sells them. That is what the President wants investigated,” the Palace official said.
Grateful Duque
Duque expressed his gratitude to President Duterte in a telephone interview. “I am very thankful to the President for his consistent trust and confidence in my capability. He understands the difficulties that I am going through… I am very appreciative of the President’s support,” he said.