Embattled Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Jaime Morente could still be axed over the “pastillas scheme” at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) even if no less than President Duterte has vouched that he is a “good man,” according to presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo. Panelo pointed out that in the past, the President fired officials who were his friends and allies due to allegations of corruption and incompetence. “Morente, I love him … he is a good man,” he said in a speech to police officers in Davao City on Thursday night. But Panelo said “everyone is not off the hook.”“The confidence [in Morente] is there until a contrary statement is made by the President,” he said. ADVERTISEMENT“There’s no connection between the love and friendship to your job, to your duties,” Panelo said.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer February 21, 2020 21:11 UTC