No reason for Cayetano to resign — Palace

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano. AP FILE PHOTO

There is no reason for Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano to resign despite the diplomatic row between the Philippines and Kuwait, Malacañang said on Thursday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque issued the statement after lawmakers and some groups wanted him to quit following the diplomatic row between Manila and Kuwait over the recent rescue of abused Filipino maids by the Philippine Embassy staff in Kuwait.

“That call is addressed to Secretary Cayetano. He should address it. As far as the Palace is concerned, there is no reason for him to resign,” Roque said in a Palace briefing.

The rescue of Filipino workers had angered Kuwait, which then ordered Philippine Ambassador Renato Villa to leave the country. Kuwait also recalled its ambassador in Manila.

Despite calls for resignation, Roque said Cayetano still has the trust of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Secretary Cayetano still enjoys the trust and confidence of the President,” he said.

The Palace official said the government was “hoping to normalize ties with Kuwait soon.” /je