Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has defended the appointees of President Rodrigo Duterte saying he has the prerogative to appoint “trusted individuals” in the government.
This after issues were raised by some senators regarding the qualifications of appointed officials in the Duterte administration,
In a privilege speech on Tuesday, August 31, Go has also backed President Duterte saying he has the authority to appoint individuals he trusts in government positions.
“It is the President’s prerogative who to appoint in his office and in his administration. Kung gusto mong makialam sa appointments, maging Pangulo ka po,” said Go.
“Why question the appointing authority when his right to do so was given to him by the Constitution? If you have reservations on the qualifications of people in the government, question it before the proper courts. Or if you want to change the qualifications, pass a law to favor what you want,” he added.
Go said trust is equally considered by the appointing authority. Go furthered that just because some appointees of the President are from Davao should not be an issue because he has the authority to install people he thinks are capable to lead.
“Bakit issue na ngayon na puro taga-Davao ang naa-appoint? Ano pong masama doon kung sila ang pinagkakatiwalaan ng Pangulo? Ano tingin nyo sa Pangulo, hindi marunong kumilatis? Personal choice niya po ‘yan. Hindi porke’t abogado niya, eh tao ko na. Abogado niya po ‘yan noon pa,” said Go.
“Huwag kayong magmalinis. Sa mga opisina ninyo, wala ba kayong katrabaho na kamag-anak, ka-fraternity, ka-probinsya, o kaibigan? Sabi ko nga, doon lang po sana tayo sa totoo. Maging patas po tayo,” he added.
Go believes that appointing “probinsyanos” to serve in government is not an issue as long as they do the right thing and avoid corruption.
“Kami po ni Pangulong Duterte ay mga probinsyano na nagtratrabaho ng matino, tumutulong sa mga Pilipino at nagsusumikap na maibangon sa krisis ang ating bansa. Ano po ang masama kung kumuha siya ng mga probinsiyano para tulungan siyang magserbisyo sa bayan?” said Go.
“Ang pangunahing bilin nga ng Pangulo sa kanyang mga ina-appoint: ‘Just do what is right and avoid corruption.’ Wala sa usapan ang korapsyon. Kasi kung gusto mo talagang tumulong sa administrasyon, gagawin mo kung ano ang tama,” he added.