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Duterte allows health, vaccine chiefs to attend Senate inquiries
President Rodrigo Duterte has permitted Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. to participate in Senate hearings to clear themselves of corruption allegations.
This decision comes after Duterte previously required Cabinet officials to seek his permission before attending legislative inquiries.
Duterte stated he would allow Duque to complete his story, as he had already testified before the House of Representatives.
He also extended this permission to Galvez, asserting that his decision would allow Senator Richard Gordon to "show his stupidity."
The President assured his appointees of protection, stating he would not allow anyone to arrest them.
Duterte also directed the Office of the Solicitor General to ask the Commission on Audit to examine the financial records of the Philippine Red Cross, chaired by Senator Gordon.
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President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered his Cabinet members to obtain presidential clearance before attending any Senate hearings.
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