Malacañang: Duque still enjoys Duterte’s trust and confidence

Malacañang has clarified that Health Secretary Francisco Duque continues to enjoy the trust and confidence of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Cabinet members serve at the pleasure of the president. Habang hindi pa natatanggal, mayroon pa pong trust and confidence (while they are still in office, they still enjoy his trust and confidence),” Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said during the May 25 Laging Handa virtual press briefing.

Roque however emphasized that Duterte can easily remove erring cabinet members.

Rumors circulated that Duterte is looking for Duque’s replacement after senators and other sectors called for the health secretary's resignation. 

Duque is being criticized for his allegedly poor handling of the COVID-19 response and reports of overpricing in the procurement of medical equipment.

President Duterte has ordered an investigation into the allegations.  

Duterte appointed Duque as chairman of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in February 2017 and as DOH secretary on October 25, 2017.