Gibo rejects defense portfolio anew

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Former defense secretary Gibert “Gibo” Teodoro has again rejected President Duterte’s offer for him to head the Department of National Defense, prompting incumbent Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to stay on as head of the DND.

The President said that Lorenzana has also declined the post of Philippine ambassador to the United States replacing Jose Cuisia, who earlier tendered his resignation to give way to a new appointee under the new administration.

Duterte said Lorenzana would rather work here in the country than take a post abroad, particularly in the US. 

In effect, the President said there is still no one whom he could appoint as the country’s ambassador to the US. 

“Is there anyone you can suggest to be our ambassador to the US?” the President asked during a press conference here before dawn yesterday.

“Ayaw niya (Lorenzana). Ayaw din ni Gibo, ibig sabihin maghanap tayo ng iba (we have to look for someone else),” the President told reporters. 

Duterte said Lorenzana had asked that his appointment as US ambassador be reconsidered.

“Sabi niya Mayor, if you order me to accept the position I will work there. Pero gusto ko lang malaman mo, matanda na ako, mahirap ang buhay sa labas (I just want you to know that I’m already old, life is hard abroad). Yung mingaw (lonesome), if it’s not your country,” the President said.