Walang iwanan: Duterte backs Duque ‘even if it will bring me down’

The bond between President Duterte and his health chief is unbreakable.

The President is standing firmly behind Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, believing he has done nothing wrong despite the attacks against him.

In a pre-recorded speech on August 21, 2021, Duterte refused to let go of Duque even it would cost him his presidency and popularity.

“Ako maski buong Pilipinas plus kayo, ako minus, mag-isa ako, I can go down but with my values and principles intact. Prinsipyo ‘yan. Wala si Duque, he’s not even a campaigner. He was not even there during the elections na sumasama. But fairness is kailangan,” Duterte said.

Duterte came to the defense of Duque after his department has been flagged by the Commission on Audit for deficiencies in the management of COVID-19 funds. Duque earlier argued there was no irregularities in the fund use.

The health chief has also been criticized by lawmakers and other groups for the poor handling of the pandemic response, delayed benefits of health workers, among others.

Duterte however could not care less if his ratings will drop with his continued support for Duque.

“Maski ang mag-isa na lang at lahat gusto na kalaban ninyo si Duque, tatayo ako para sa kanya. Sabihin niyo ang rating ko magbaba? Ibaba niyo ngayon wala akong problema,” he said.

“They want me to fire Duque, gusto mo paalisin ko. Give me a reason bakit ko paalisin,” he added.

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Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)