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Palace says probe of Duque to proceed despite Duterte's words
President Rodrigo Duterte has publicly defended Health Secretary Francisco Duque III amid an investigation by the Ombudsman into the Department of Health's (DOH) handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Duterte expressed his confidence in the integrity of his officials, stating he is willing to bet his reputation as President that there are no anomalies within the DOH.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that President Duterte respects the independence of Ombudsman Samuel Martires and will not interfere with the investigation.
Roque emphasized that the Ombudsman, a seasoned judge and former Supreme Court Justice, is capable of discerning facts independently.
The investigation will continue into alleged irregularities, including delays in the procurement of protective gear and benefits for health workers.
Duterte's trust in Duque is partly influenced by his long-standing friendship with Duque's brother, Atty. Gonz Duque, and his belief that the Duque family is already wealthy and has no need to steal from the government.
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President Rodrigo Duterte expressed confidence in Health Secretary Francisco Duque III's ability to address allegations of irregularities in the Department of Health's (DOH) handling of the COVID-19 crisis.
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Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque assured that President Duterte's public endorsement of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III will not impede the Ombudsman's investigation.
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The Office of the Ombudsman is investigating the Department of Health (DOH) and Secretary Francisco Duque III over alleged anomalies in the COVID-19 response.
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President Duterte has expressed his full trust and confidence in the integrity of his officials, assuring that there were no anomalies in the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Senator Sherwin Gatchalian urged Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to take a leave of absence while the Ombudsman investigates alleged irregularities within the Department of Health's COVID-19 response.
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