By Genalyn D. Kabiling
Two Cabinet members currently embroiled in controversies are apparently keeping their posts for now.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano and Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo continue to enjoy the trust and confidence of President Duterte, Malacañang said yesterday, dispelling speculations about their fate in the Cabinet.
Cayetano is dealing with a diplomatic tiff with Kuwait over the controversial rescue of distressed Filipino workers.
Teo has been questioned about the controversial advertising contract with her brothers’ television program.
“As far as the Palace is concerned, there is no reason for him to resign because I think he still has the full trust and confidence of the President,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said. “I think what we have in Kuwait is something that can be overcome eventually… sooner or later,” he said.
He noted that Cayetano has already offered a public apology over the rescue mission that reportedly drew the ire of Kuwait. “We’re hoping to normalize ties with Kuwait soon,” he added.
A group of career officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs has reportedly called on the resignation of Cayetano over his alleged incompetence in ensuring the welfare of Filipino workers in Kuwait. The DFA, however, has refuted the report, saying the supposed letter seeking Cayetano’s resignation was not seen by the Office of the President.
In the case of the Tourism Secretary, Roque admitted that the President’s trust in Teo remains despite an ongoing investigation into the advertising deal between the Department of Tourism and People’s Television Network.
The ad placement on the television program of Teo’s brothers on PTV 4 has been questioned by the Commission on Audit recently.
“Every Cabinet member, unless they are fired, enjoys the trust and confidence of the President,” Roque said when asked if Teo still enjoys the President’s trust.
Roque had earlier said there was no reason for Teo to go on leave pending the investigation into the DoT-PTV ad contract.