Duterte: Do not be blinded by power

Another Cabinet member on the way out

President Duterte has called on his political allies not to be blinded by power and instead continue to serve the public well. The President issued the call during a birthday dinner attended by his allies in Congress at the Sofitel Hotel last Thursday night.

“He told his audience not to be blinded by the positions they hold and continue to uphold the welfare of the people to ensure that younger generation of Filipinos would get brighter future,” a Malacañang press statement read.

“There is another one,” Roque said, hinting at the removal of another top official, following Duterte’s acceptance of the resignation of Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre, II.

“But, let’s wait for the next week please. Too much information,” Roque said in an interview over CNN Philippines.

Pressed to give more clues on who the highranking official is set to be relieved of his post, Roque said:“It’s a line agency. A department, it’s a department. I might be next in the chopping block. So, I’ll leave you at that.”

Meanwhile, among those who attended the President’s birthday dinner, dubbed “Salu-Salo Kasama ang Pangulo,” were former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, and several congressmen and businessmen.

The birthday dinner for Duterte, who turned 73 last March 28, was organized by Marinduque Rep. Lord Alan Velasco.

The President was also elated by the support extended by his allies in the campaign against illegal drugs and corruption. He also promised to sustain efforts to improve the plight of Filipinos, assuring that his government would “not disappoint” the people.