MANILA, Philippines — There’s no “military oligarchy” dominating the Duterte administration, Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said in a statement issued on Saturday to contradict to a remark made by Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman. Lagman said seven of the members of the administration were retired chiefs of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines — including Interior Secretary Eduardo Año. As for Año, Malaya said Lagman should look at the official’s performance, not his background. “Secretary Año has been given this task by the President because he delivers, period. Statements to the contrary are not well-meaning but are clearly meant to disparage the accomplishments of this administration, including that of Secretary Año,” Malaya said.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 18, 2020 15:33 UTC