Drilon: Duque a hindrance to COVID-19 response

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon believes that Health Secretary Francisco Duque III is a hindrance to the government's campaign against COVID-19.

Drilon stated that public confidence is crucial for people to follow the directives of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), and Duque's actions erode this trust.

The Senator expressed frustration over Duque's perceived lack of due diligence as DOH chief and PhilHealth chair.

Drilon cited Duque's conflicting pronouncements about the "second wave" of COVID-19 infections and the infectivity of asymptomatic patients as examples of his inadequacy.

These statements from Duque allegedly caused panic and fear among the public.

Ultimately, Drilon said it is President Duterte's prerogative to decide on Duque's position as Secretary of Health.