Duterte camp apologizes to Quiboloy

Pia Ranada

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Duterte camp apologizes to Quiboloy
Transition team spokesman Peter Laviña appeals to the public to give controversial Cabinet appointees 'a chance to prove their worth'

MANILA, Philippines – Rodrigo Duterte’s camp apologized to Pastor Apollo Quiboloy for appearing to block him from the president-elect.

In a press briefing on Friday, May 20, Duterte transition team spokesman Peter Laviña said Duterte’s inability to meet with the religious leader, his friend for 3 decades, was “not intentional.” 

He said that Duterte’s camp was simply overwhelmed by the number of people who wanted to visit the president-elect. Because of this, not everyone could be entertained. 

“Hopefully, we can extend our apology to Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy…We wanted to accommodate everyone and of course we want to consult everyone. This is a continuing process,” Laviña told media.

Apparently, it is staff from the City Mayor’s Office who are handling Duterte’s schedule. 

Quiboloy’s camp earlier that day expressed disappointment for not being accommodated by Duterte in his selection process of Cabinet appointees. (READ: LIST: Who’s who in the incoming Duterte Cabinet)

Laviña said Duterte’s camp is aware of the “negative” feedback on his chosen Cabinet members, particularly Las Piñas Representative Mark Villar (slated to be Public Works Secretary) and Ampatuan lawyer Salvador Panelo (incoming presidential spokesman).

But Laviña appealed to the public to “give them a chance to prove their worth.” 

He also said that the appointments are not yet official until appointment documents are signed.

Asked about Duterte’s selection process, Laviña said the processing of nominees goes through two channels: the transition team and the staff of executive assistant Bong Go. 

He admitted that most of the appointees are members of the campaign team or people who helped Duterte during his nationwide listening tour on federalism. Others are people who have “embraced” his platform. – Rappler.com

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Pia Ranada

Pia Ranada is Rappler’s Community Lead, in charge of linking our journalism with communities for impact.