Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 2) — President Rodrigo Duterte does not turn a blind eye on government officials linked to anomalies, Malacañang insisted on Thursday.

“I have personal knowledge na kapag meron naman po talagang datos at katotohanan sa mga paratang ng korupsyon, hindi niya po ipinipikit ang kanyang mga mata,” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Palace briefing.

[Translation: I have personal knowledge that if there’s enough data and proof on corruption allegations, he would not turn a blind eye.]

Roque made the statement after Senator Manny Pacquiao said in an interview that Duterte should not defend erring officials. This was in light of the controversy over the government’s questionable purchase of COVID-19 supplies.

The President has defended Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and former Budget Undersecretary Lloyd Christopher Lao amid the issue.

Roque said Duterte has dismissed several officials who are even close to him.

“Wala kay Presidente kung malapit ka,” he said.

[Translation: It doesn’t matter to the President if you are close to him.]

Roque cited as example former Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno, who was fired in 2017 due to “loss of trust and confidence.”