FILE PHOTO: Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil confirms on Monday, February 5, 2024, the existence of a memorandum that aims to conduct a review of the performance of all presidential appointees during the administrations of former president Rodrigo Duterte and incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. PHOTO: PCO/RTVM
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� The performance of all presidential appointees during the previous and current administrations is now under review, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Monday.
PCO Sec. Cheloy Garafil confirmed a memorandum circulating online which requires all heads of government departments and agencies to submit their updated personal data sheet, clearances, and other documents.
鈥淭his is a directive to all presidential appointees, including those appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., as part of performance review and to ensure continuing qualifications to remain in office,鈥� Garafil explained in a Viber message to reporters.
While Garafil gave assurance that the review would be fair for all presidential appointees, its timing raises questions since its conduct followed a heated verbal exchange between Marcos and his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte.
READ: Amid Duterte-Marcos verbal spat, public must stay neutral 鈥� groups
During a rally staged by the Dutertes in their hometown Davao City on January 28, the former president accused Marcos of being a drug addict. Marcos brushed the allegations aside but pointed to Duterte鈥檚 prolonged fentanyl use as a possible explanation for his predecessor鈥檚 pronouncements against him.
In the same rally that coincided with the pro-administration 鈥淏agong Pilipinas鈥� rally in Manila, Duterte鈥檚 son, Davao City Mayor Sebastian 鈥淏aste鈥� Duterte, called on Marcos to resign.
READ: Ka Leody thinks Baste Duterte鈥檚 Marcos resign call 鈥榮elf- serving鈥�
Duterte鈥檚 tirade against Marcos took a turn for the extreme when he called for a separate Mindanao, prompting Marcos administration officials to release statements of peace and unity.
National Security Adviser Eduardo A帽o said the government is ready to use force to quell secessionist movements.
鈥淎ny attempt to secede any part of the Philippines will be met by the government with resolute force, as it remains steadfast in securing the sovereignty and integrity of the national territory,鈥� A帽o said in a statement.