President Rodrigo R. Duterte, in his weekly address, asserted that Congress must not force the Presidential Security Group (PSG) to face its investigation regarding the unauthorized Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination.
“Alam ko ang buhay ng security so huwag mo silang pakialaman (I know the life of a security [personnel] so don’t interfere with them) because 2 things may happen. I will ask them to shut up and not to answer any question, and I’m not threatening. Please do not cite them in contempt by detaining them. I will not allow it.”
According to President Duterte, he is not covering up the PSG and he has nothing to do with the event. However, he believes that the unauthorized vaccination is a part of the group’s fulfillment of duty.
“Do not tinker with the PSG. I’m telling you as President it is a matter of self-preservation… Do not force my soldiers to testify against their will at huwag ninyong i-contempt na i-detain ninyo (Don’t cite them in contempt and detain them). I do not think it will be good for you and for me.”
The Chief Executive also pointed out that the PSG has “every right to live and to invoke self-preservation”.
He strongly stated that he is “prepared to defend my soldiers” and will not allow them “for all of their good intentions to be brought to lies in hearing.”
The President then ordered PSG Chief Brigadier General Jesus Durante III to “not obey the summons” and to “stay put in the barracks.” – Report from Mela Lesmoras/PTV News Online
