Panelo says recent appointees passed Duterte's criteria

Incoming presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Tuesday defended the recent Cabinet picks of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte with conflicts of interest.

Newly designated deputy spokesperson Ernie Abella on late Monday night announced that Duterte’s picked current Asec for Health Regulations Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial for the Department of Health (DOH), Mt. Apo Travel and Tours owner Wanda Corazon Teo for the Department of Tourism (DOT), and businessman and Go Negosyo executive director Ramon Lopez for the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“First, all the appointees of President Duterte have passed the criteria he gave us," Panelo told reporters in Davao City. "These are: one, integrity; number two, competence; and number three, experience. I am sure the Tourism secretary-designate Wanda passes all these criteria.” 

Teo's appointment had been questioned because of a possible conflict of interest. Apart from owning a travel and tours company, she was also the president of the National Association & Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS) Phil. Inc. She is also the sister of the Tulfo brothers.

But Panelo was quick to defend her.  “With respect to conflict of interest, gagawin lang niya [Teo] naman mawawala siya doon sa kanyang company. Eh, wala na ring conflict of interest,” he argued. — Trisha Macas/DVM, GMA News