In a live address to the nation on Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte told Health Sec. Francisco Duque to stay in his post, adding the embattled cabinet official still enjoyed his "full trust."
Duterte said that based on his own check, Duque could not be linked to corruption. A Senate investigation recently recommended the filing of criminal complaints against Duque and former PhilHealth chief Ricardo Morales over alleged corruption in the state-run insurer.
"Secretary Duque, this is not the time for you to resign," Duterte said. "I have heard stories about you. I have full trust in you. Ang sa akin lang diyan, corruption. Wala ka sa ano, tiningnan namin papel."
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"Thank you very much sir for your continued trust," Duque told the President, adding he was hurt by allegations against him.
The President also said, "There's an investigation going on. Let it be, if you are not guilty of corruption."
