Manila Bulletin
Duterte defends Duque, says DOH chief is doing his job
President Rodrigo Duterte lauded Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, citing his competence in managing the country's response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Duterte stated that Duque's reappointment as Health Secretary was a testament to his capabilities, emphasizing that he would not have chosen him again if he had observed incompetence.
The President's defense of Duque came amidst an ongoing investigation by the Ombudsman into alleged irregularities within the Department of Health's handling of the Covid-19 crisis.
Duterte's defense of Duque also occurs despite increasing calls for the Health Secretary's resignation due to public dissatisfaction with his performance during the pandemic.
The President mentioned that his trust in Duque was solidified during his previous stint as Health Secretary under former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's administration from 2005 to 2010.
He also noted that no country was prepared for the pandemic, which he described as a once-in-a-century event.
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The Department of Health (DOH) staff members continue to support Health Secretary Francisco Duque III amidst calls for his resignation.
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