Duque says Duterte knows he is an honest worker

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said President Rodrigo Duterte’s seemingly unshakeable trust in him likely stems from his track record in public service, despite numerous criticisms hurled at him for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Interviewed on “The Mangahas Interviews,” hosted by veteran journalist Malou Mangahas, Duque said his years of government service prove that he is an honest worker.

Duque served in the Estrada, Arroyo, and Aquino administrations prior to becoming Duterte’s health chief.

“Tingin ni Pangulo, siguro nakita niya ako na nagtrabaho na tapat. Trabaho lang talaga ang pakay ko. Nakita mo naman, ni minsan ‘di naman ako tumakbo for any elective position. Sa Executive, ako’y inanyayahan. Hindi ko naman hiningi ‘yung trabaho,” he said.

“Puwede namang maging maganda ang buhay ko sa pribadong sektor… [pero] ito ang ginagawa ko para sa bayan. The rewards of public service are not material. They’re moral, they’re even spiritual and mental,” he added.

Duque has faced several calls for his resignation amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In April, senators wanted him to step down for his “failure of leadership” in controlling the COVID-19 crisis. 

In September, it was revealed that Duque was on the verge of resigning as a multibillion-peso corruption scandal rocked the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. 

Just this month, the Health Secretary became the center of controversy again after he was accused of “dropping the ball” in negotiations with American firm Pfizer for a supply of COVID-19 vaccines, allegedly costing the Philippines an early shipment. 

Duque said he has not become “immunized” to criticism.

“Masakit, lalo na sa pamilya ko. Sabi nga ni Pangulo, ‘Do not resign.’ Dahil kung malinis ang konsensiya mo, that is your source of strength. Just do your job,” he said.

“Pero siyempre minsan masakit. Hindi ako nasasanay eh, sa totoo lang. Hindi ako nai-immunize sa ganitong mga pagka binatikos ka.”

Duterte, who recently railed against incompetence in government, has repeatedly expressed confidence in his Health Secretary.  — BM, GMA News