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Palace says alleged ouster vs Duterte wishful thinking

/ Manila Shimbun
Malacanang downplayed on Tuesday talks about the supposed ouster of President Rodrigo Duterte, saying they were just “wishful thinking.”
In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Duterte still enjoys the support of the majority of Filipinos.
“That’s a wishful thinking. It’s a pipe dream. It will never come to fruition. Filipinos, majority or overwhelming of…they are supportive of the President,” he said.
There were reports that some groups were planning to oust Duterte by encouraging the people through social media to participate in the mass actions against him.
Among the issues being raised against Duterte were the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States, the spread of the coronavirus, and press freedom amid the non-action yet on the ABS-CBN franchise, among others.
Panelo said the military is also “hundred percent” in support of Duterte.
Asked about some soldiers who were disappointed about the VFA termination, he said, “You’re speculating, we don’t know that. Let them speak their minds.” Celerina Monte/DMS

Palace blames “flaws” on intelligence gathering for Espenido’s inclusion in drug watchlist

/ Manila Shimbun

Malacanang blamed on Tuesday the supposed “flaws” in the intelligence gathering for the inclusion of Police Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido in the drug watchlist.

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo insisted that President Rodrigo Duterte trusts Espenido, one of his poster boys on his war on drugs.

“It’s not unexpected that there may be some flaws in intelligence gathering. That happens. Sometimes they’re even intentional, you are being fed with the wrong info coming from those who are against a particular officer and if it gets into the system, it will come out,” he said.

Asked if Espenido could be a victim, he said, “Could be, because the President says that’s black propaganda as far as he’s concerned. He’s a victim.”

Earlier reports said Espenido was included in the list of 357 policemen who were allegedly involved in illegal drugs.

But Duterte, through Panelo, earlier said Espenido was “clean.”

Despite the removal of some names of cops in the supposed watchlist, Panelo still described the drug list of the administration as “credible.”

He also said that the matter has no effect on the government’s overall anti-drug war. Celerina Monte/DMS