President Duterte emphasized that he cannot immediately act on the concerns of lawmakers on proposals to stop "e-sabong" operations or suspend the excise taxes on fuel.
In his "Talk to the People" address aired Wednesday, March 16, Duterte said he also needs to consult with the members of his Cabinet before making any decisions that would affect the country.
"I do not study or decide alone... It would be the consensus of—collegial body rin itong presidency (the presidency is also a collegial body) in the sense that I have my Cabinet which I consult," Duterte said.
"Tinatanong ko po yung mga secretaries ko kung anong mabuting gawin at pag-aralan (I ask my secretaries what's the best that we should do)," he added.
Duterte shared that after the Congress made a suggestion, he would call for several meetings with the Cabinet members to discuss whether to approve the proposal or not.
"You should know that these are policies na sinusunod ng lahat (that everyone follows), hindi ito basta-basta na ako lang ang magsalita o ako ang mag-decide (it is not just me who decide)," Duterte said,
"Unlike Congress you go to a vote but the Cabinet, they are the alter egos of the President so hindi kailangan magboto (they don't need to vote)," he noted.
The President added that he would also ask his Cabinet members to help him thoroughly study the proposal before coming up with a decision.
"The Cabinet members are not there for nothing. Sila yung magtrabaho at ako (They will do the work and) I will just decide after reading the reports," Duterte said.
The Senate earlier filed a resolution urging the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to suspend the operation of all online cockfighting establishments or e-sabong until the cases of the 31 missing cockfight enthusiasts are resolved.
Several lawmakers have also urged Duterte to call for a special session of Congress to pass legislation on the proposed suspension of excise taxes on petroleum products amid skyrocketing prices.