MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday defended his decision to appoint Mocha Uson as assistant secretary at the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO).

Speaking to reporters before flying to Cambodia, Duterte said he was paying back Uson for believing in him during the campaign period.

“Utang na loob ko yan sa kaniya because they offered their services for free,” Duterte said. “It’s my time to believe in them.”

• READ: Mocha Uson named Communications Assistant Secretary

The president also shielded Uson from criticisms that she is not qualified for the job. He said, Uson is bright and her past as a sexy dancer should not hinder her from rendering services to the government.

“There is nothing wrong with the woman. She’s bright, she’s articulate. She was not dancing naked,” he said.

“Iyang pagsasayaw niya hanapbuhay yan eh. That’s hanapbuhay. There’s no law that says if you expose your body you are disqualified from being president of the Philippines… Every Filipino deserves a chance,” said Duterte

Uson will handle Malacanang’s social media services, Palace officials said. Her salary will also be on the Grade 27 to 29 bracket.

On Facebook, Uson said she will bridge the gap between the government and ordinary Filipinos, as well as battle “fake news.”