President Rodrigo Roa Duterte administers the oath of office for the newly-apppointed Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu prior to the start of the 15th Cabinet Meeting at the State Dining Room of Malacañan Palace on May 7, 2017. Also in the photo is Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go. (Richard Madelo/Presidential Photo)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte said he believes in newly-appointed Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu and respected the decision of the Commission on Appointments who rejected his former appointee, Regina Lopez.
During the pilot episode of his program “Mula sa Masa, Para sa Masa” (From the People, For the People) on Friday, May 19 Duterte described Cimatu as “honest” and “hardworking.”
“I choose Cimatu because I believe in him. When I was Mayor of Davao City for the longest time I was always appointed as the Regional Peace and Order Council Chairman. So when he was assigned dito sa Davao City, we used to meet every now and then regarding the law and order situation of Region 11… He served his country well,” Duterte said.
Duterte also said that he does not want to impose “anything against” on the CA who rejected Lopez despite his public statements supporting her.
Activists protested Cimatu’s appointment, along with the appointment of other former military generals.
Duterte said Cimatu should just follow the law.
“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,” the President said.
“Basahin lang niya iyong mga provisions diyan and enforce it. It does not need a genius of especially Cimatu, graduate nga ng PMA iyan. He would know what to do and he will do it right (He should just read the provisions and enforce it. It does not need a genius of especially Cimatu, he is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy),” Duterte added.
Duterte also said that what he requires his appointees in Cabinet positions is to “serve with honesty and integrity.” (davaotoday.com)
