Duterte rejects Duque's resignation twice

Updated Tue, August 17, 2021 at 8:34 PM Published Tue, August 17, 2021 at 1:21 AM

President Rodrigo Duterte revealed he has rejected Health Secretary Francisco Duque III's resignation offers twice, stating he would not tolerate corruption among his Cabinet members.

This disclosure came shortly after the Commission on Audit (COA) released its report detailing deficiencies in the Department of Health's (DOH) utilization of P67.3 billion in COVID-19 response funds.

The President criticized the COA for releasing the report, calling it unfair to those working in the pandemic response.

Analysts believe Duterte risks eroding his political capital by defending Duque, especially if corruption allegations are not convincingly refuted.

This continued support for Duque may test the patience of citizens concerned about the pandemic response, vaccine supply, testing, healthcare system quality, and economic effects.

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Rodrigo Duterte Department of Health Commission on Audit Francisco Duque III

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