Duterte vows personal accountability for COVID-19 funds

President Rodrigo Duterte has vowed to take personal responsibility for the proper accounting of billions of pesos allocated for the COVID-19 pandemic response.

He assured the public that all expenditures related to the fight against COVID-19 will be accounted for, stating it is his solemn duty to answer for the executive department's spending.

Duterte warned that those who misuse or steal COVID funds would "go to prison" and expressed willingness to endorse cases against corrupt officials.

He emphasized the need for wise and correct spending, reflecting on his duty to do his best in addressing the crisis.

The government's spending power for the pandemic was initially bolstered by the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, allowing the realignment of P275 billion.

Subsequently, Bayanihan 2 provided an additional P165 billion in funding to further address the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.