REACTION OF SEC. MANNY PIÑOL

I thank President Duterte for his continued trust and confidence. I promise to do my best to live up to his and the Filipino people’s expectations.

I am saddened that the idea of setting up a Rice Trading Center in Tawitawi to put an end to rice smuggling and raise revenues estimated at between P1-B to P2-B every was not presented by a PTV4 reporter in the proper context.

It was presented in a manner which made it appear like I am proposing the entry of smuggled rice through the ZAMBASULTA Area. I will submit a memorandum to the President on this matter when he comes back.

I don’t know if the President was referring to me when he said that “Bello ” will run for Senator. If it was me, I know the President was just joking.

The President is aware that I neither have plans nor the desire to run for the Senate as I have intimated this to him in previous conversations.

I wish the President a successful trip to Israel and Jordan.

I apologize that I had to beg off and did not join the Presidential Trip because I believe there are very pressing matters here in my Department that I have to attend to.

Thank you.