Senators yesterday took the cudgels for President Rodrigo Duterte during his absence in Cabinet meetings to discuss the government’s response to recent typhoons.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go also assured the public that the President is currently monitoring and giving directives to agencies involved in responding to the devastation brought by Typhoon “Rolly.”
“President Rodrigo Duterte and all government agencies mandated to respond to calamities to give effective emergency response and assistance to all those affected are focused on their job,” said Go.
Go, a former presidential aide, guaranteed that the Duterte government would not neglect its people especially in times of crisis and calamities.
“Let us help one another to overcome the challenges we are facing,” added Go.
“He is in the Philippines di ba? The web is very active di ba? What can he not do in Davao?” said Senate President Vicente Sotto III when sought for comment on the issue.
Sotto said if the President was in the press briefing “and talks for a couple of hours, there will also be complaints right?”
He pointed out that the President can oversee government from wherever he is if he wants to.
“(There’s) internet! What can he do in Albay that he cannot do in Davao?” questioned Sotto.
He noted the reason there are Cabinet members and local government officials is to be the representatives of government and the President.
Asked on the same issue, Sen. Richard Gordon replied, “I don’t intervene in Malacanang affairs. We want to see the President working, but let’s respect his position.”
Responding to a query if the President has the privilege to take weekends off, Gordon said, “Yes, why not? “
He said the problem with the President is that he is “immunocompromised.”
“Perhaps, there could be some defects (if he is exposed). As for me, as long as he is happy with himself, he can work, he is safe. I’d rather protect himself rather than go around,” added Gordon.