Duterte tells Duque “not too touchy” on criticisms

May 26, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte has asked Health Secretary "not to be too touchy" on the criticisms hurled against him.

Duterte made the statement during his televised message on Monday night during his meeting with some members of his Cabinet, including Duque.

"You know, don't bee too touchy on issues because always there will be pros and cons," he said.

"Just listen because this is a democracy. However, in democracy there is the favor of attacks, issues plus attacking the guy personally," he added.

There were calls for the Department of Health chief to quit from the post after his statement in a Senate hearing that the country was already on the second wave of coronavirus infections, which was immediately contradicted by other Cabinet officials and some health experts.

There were also allegations of overpriced procurement of health equipment against COVID-19.

Prior to this, the Senate came out with a resolution calling for Duque's resignation for his alleged inefficient handling of the health crisis.

But Duterte retained him on the post.

The President told Duque that he knew the latter's situation.

He said the Health chief should adopt an attitude of not being too sensitive for as long as there is no malice on his part. Celerina Monte/DMS