Evangelist Apollo Quiboloy of Kingdom of Jesus Christ endorses presidential candidate Mayor Rodrigo Duterte after a thanksgiving and worship service in Lingayen, Pangasinan. INQUIRER PHOTO
DAVAO CITY鈥擳he campaign spokesperson of presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte聽on Friday聽apologized to evangelist Apollo Quiboloy, who had alleged being snubbed by the camp of the incoming chief executive.
鈥淲e extend our apologies,鈥� Peter Lavi帽a, now the spokesperson for Duterte鈥檚 transition team, told reporters at a press briefing here. 鈥淗opefully, we can adjust accordingly.鈥�
Lavi帽a said there was no 鈥渄eliberate effort鈥� to ease out Quiboloy from Duterte鈥檚 core group.
鈥淭hese are not intentional. We wanted to accommodate everyone and of course we want to consult everyone. This is a continuing process,鈥� he said.
鈥淪ome were not entertained and we received this feedback and we are happy that we are receiving this feedback so they can adjust.鈥�
On Friday, spokesperson Mike Abe said Quiboloy and聽Duterte had no 鈥渙fficial communication鈥� after the May 9 elections, and the pastor had not been consulted about the appointees of the incoming administration.
READ: Quiboloy hurt in selection of Duterte鈥檚 Cabinet members
Quiboloy鈥檚 spokesperson said the pastor wanted to talk to Duterte but he had not been able to do so.
鈥�Hinaharang ng mga taong nakapaligid sa kanya (He has been prevented from seeing Duterte by the men around him),鈥� Abe said.
But Lavi帽a said Duterte and Quiboloy had been friends for a long time and he hoped the two could meet soon.
鈥淭hey are good friends. They have been friends for a long time. I鈥檓 sure they can find a way to meet as soon as possible鈥攏ot only as friends鈥攖he mayor may want to consult Pastor Quiboloy on some of the nominees he has already named and some who are not yet named,鈥� Lavi帽a said.
He said the staff members of Duterte were just 鈥渙verwhelmed鈥� by the number of well-wishers.
鈥淲e did not expect that so many and they were not prepared,鈥� Lavi帽a said.
Lavi帽a said Duterte was just taking his rest after receiving a number of well-wishers during the past days.