(Eagle News) — The Palace on Tuesday, Aug. 28, defended President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to bring retired police and military officials with him in his trip to Israel in September.
“For security personnel, a trip to Israel would entail collaborating and mingling with security forces of Israel in order for our men in uniform to benefit from the experience of Israel, particularly in their drive against extremism and terrorism,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.
Earlier, President Duterte said he would bring the uniformed men to the country as a reward for “serving the country well.”
But Senator Panfilo Lacson said “rewards for the more deserving come in the form of promotions, awards, even a pat on the back.”
He said government officials, in the first place, were “always expected to serve their best.”
The President will proceed to Jordan after his Israel trip.