MANILA – Malacañang has refused to confirm or deny reports that President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his wishes for nine of his Cabinet members to run for senatorial bid next year.
During a virtual presser on Thursday, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque did not comment on the matter, saying it is not part of the main agenda of cabinet’s meeting on Wednesday night.
“Alam niyo po ang aming pagmi-meeting ay covered din by executive privilege. Ang mga bagay na hindi kasama sa agenda will remain confidential. I cannot comment,” Roque said.
In a report by Politiko website, President Duterte reportedly mentioned nine Cabinet secretaries as potential senatorial candidates for the 2022 polls because he is impressed with their performance.
Duterte’s potential candidates were Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, Cabinet secretary Karlo Nograles, Department of Public Works and Highways secretary Mark Villar, Department of Trade and Industry secretary Ramon Lopez, and Department of Transportation secretary Arthur Tugade.
Department of Health secretary Francisco Duque III, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III were also included in the line-up.
Report also said the chief executive seemed to be “serious” when he made the announcement in the meeting./PN
