Philippine News Agency
PRRD confident Duque can defend himself in Ombudsman probe
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.
Duterte maintains full trust and confidence in Duque, which Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque stated is the reason he remains in his position.
The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) has ordered a probe into alleged lapses and irregularities by the DOH in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The investigation covers the purchase of COVID-19 test kits, delayed procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other medical gears, alleged lapses leading to healthcare worker deaths, and confusing COVID-19 case reporting.
It also includes the inaction in releasing financial aid to fallen and infected medical frontliners.
The President stated he respects the OMB's decision to investigate Duque and other health officials, and the DOH bureaucracy is urged to cooperate fully.
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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.
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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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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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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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