It seems like some people have been “Duterte-zoned.”
“Let me be very clear: My friendship with my friends ends where the interest of the country begins. I would as much as possible make you happy if you are my friend, but I will not allow anybody to color my decisions in government. From now on, it is always the interest of the people of the Republic of the Philippines that counts, period.”
“This was what incoming president Rodrigo Duterte said in an interview on Sat, May 21, at the After Dark Bar in Davao City when he was asked about the statements made by the camp of evangelist Apollo Quiboloy that the latter was being eased out of Duterte’s inner circle,” reports Edith Regalado in The Philippine Star.
READ: Quiboloy allegedly hurt for being excluded from Duterte Cabinet selection
Duterte added, “I am sorry. My loyalty to my friend ends where my loyalty to my country begins.”
It may be recalled that the spokesperson of Quiboloy, founder of the religious group Kingdom of Jesus Christ, said that the religious leader felt excluded from the selection process of Duterte’s Cabinet. Apparently, Quiboloy wanted to screen the people that Duterte would appoint.
The report noted: “The pastor is a long-time friend of the Davao City mayor. Quiboloy vigorously campaigned for Duterte and provided a private plane and helicopter during the campaign.”
