Just do your job is President Duterte’s lone marching order to new Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu.
In the pilot episode of his program “Mula sa Masa, Para sa Masa” aired over PTV4 and the Presidential Communications Facebook Page Friday night, Duterte believes in what Cimatu can do as Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary and described him as “honest” and “hardworking.”
“Right after I swore him into office, sinabi ko lang, “You are there in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, just do your duty, do it right, and always do it for the country,” Duterte said.
“He would know what to do and he will do it right,” he said, referring to how he urged Cimatu to read the provisions of mining laws and enforce it.
Duterte also said that Cimatu meets his requirements to become a member of his Cabinet – to serve the country with honesty and integrity.
“He’s a silent guy, a very low-key personality, but he does his work very well,” he said, recalling how he used to work with the former chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Davao City.
“Alam niya ang ugali ko, at alam niya kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng public service,” Duterte said. “Matagal na kaming magkasama and I’m sure he’ll do his best for his country,” Duterte added.
Duterte appointed Cimatu to the DENR after the Commission on Appointments rejected the confirmation of Secretary Gina Lopez.
Cimatu is one of Duterte’s new appointees this month. Among them were Sen. Alan Peter S. Cayetano, Foreign Affairs Secretary; Margaux Uson, Communications Assistant Secretary; former Sen. Edgardo Angara, Special Envoy to the European Union; and former House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Special Envoy to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)