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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Duterte praises IATF heads: You're doing good, Filipinos will not forget you

Duterte praises IATF heads: You're doing good, Filipinos will not forget you

Published Feb 14, 2022 10:32 pm

President Duterte commended the heads of the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases for doing a good job in handling the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, saying Filipinos will not forget about them.

President Duterte and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III (Malacañang file photos)

Duterte made the statement as the country continues to record low daily COVID-19 cases after experiencing a surge possibly fueled by the Omicron variant.

In his late-night public address on Monday, February 14, the President asked Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to give COVID-19 updates. After hearing about the recent developments, Duterte proceeded to praise him.

"You have done good sa trabaho mo (in your job), and the Filipino will never forget that," he said.

According to the President, he understands that Duque had to make several sacrifices because the country needs him.

"It’s a sacrifice really for you to continue doing it," he said.

"I had to ask you several times to stay on the job because we need you," he added.

This was not the first time President Duterte praised Secretary Duque. Last year, Duterte even stood up for Duque amid calls for his resignation or sacking due to corruption allegations against the Department of Health (DOH).

"Maski mag-isa na lang ako (Even if it’s only me left), I will stand for Duque even if it will bring me down,” he said.

“The rating does not really matter to me. Ang gusto ko lang magtrabaho nang matino (All I want is to work efficiently) and whatever judgment you have for me, I don’t give a shit,” he added.

Meanwhile, the President also thanked other heads of the IATF, citing the "tireless toil" of Vaccine Czar Carlito Galvez Jr., Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

"Sila yung nag-teamwork (They started this teamwork) to defeat this," he said.

Duterte likewise commended Presidential Adviser for COVID-19 Response Vince Dizon, saying his job was not an easy one.

"Someday, magpasalamat ang Pilipino sa iyo Vince Dizon. Saan ka man pupunta (the Filipino will thank you, Vince Dizon. Wherever you may go) after this administration, join a political party," he told Dizon.

"'Yan ang forte mo, eh, its organizing, mahirap 'yan (Organizing is your forte, and that's not an easy job)," he added.

Related Tags

department of health President Duterte covid-19 francisco duque iii praise
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