By Jennylou Canon

PHOTO: PCOO

As Christopher Lloyd Lao’s appointment was grilled by senators, President Rodrigo Duterte said that the appointment of government officials in the executive branch should not be questioned.

“For the senators, do not question who I appoint to the agencies in the executive branch. I am the sole appointing authority,” Duterte said in his weekly briefing.

He added that he accepted the applications of the officials as a way of repaying gratitude, and further said that he knows and trusts them.

Duterte also explained the appointment of Lao as the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) Procurement Service, saying that he is his “fraternal brother” and also supported his campaign back in 2016.



Furthermore, the President also told the Senate to jail his appointees if flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA).

“Itong fraternity brothers kung sabihin mo may na-COA, may nakita kayo na mali, ipakulong ninyo. Wala sa usapan ‘yung puwesto sila magnakaw, ipakulong ninyo,” he said.

Lao’s appointment in the DBM was grilled after his agency allegedly acquired overpriced medical supplies during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, senators asked Lao on how he was appointed, which he answered that he only applied for the post.