I, like the rest of the members of the Cabinet, serve at the pleasure of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
The President and I share the same deep conviction on major policy issues affecting the country, such as charting an independent foreign policy course and zero tolerance against corruption.
On the Pemberton issue, I respect the wisdom of the President, which is grounded on a broader national interest. The termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) remains, albeit the suspension is lifted for six months as we need the cooperation of the United States and other many countries in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
On the Morales issue, I laud President Duterte for accepting the resignation of the former PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Order as part of his good governance drive.
On the case of Secretary Duque, I have consistently underscored that we all serve at the pleasure of our appointing authority, and when there is no indication saying otherwise, the presidential appointee stays.
Having said these, we as members of the President’s official family will be guided by PRRD’s policy pronouncements and will continuously and faithfully serve the Filipino people in its last two years to bring about the genuine change this nation truly deserves.
