Palace questions timing of Pacquiao's DOH corruption allegations

Malacañang questioned the timing of Senator Manny Pacquiao's corruption allegations against the Department of Health (DOH) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque suggested Pacquiao might have been absent or preoccupied during previous discussions on pandemic response.

Roque pointed out that Pacquiao had the opportunity to question Health Secretary Francisco Duque III during Senate hearings.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has submitted reports on the use of COVID-19 response funds to Senator Pacquiao.

Pacquiao had previously challenged President Duterte to name corrupt government offices, subsequently pointing to the DOH and questioning the use of pandemic response funds.

Duque stated that the DOH was disheartened by the accusations and is open to inquiries from legislators.

Duque also clarified that the procurement arm under the Budget department purchased the test kits, face masks, and other supplies for the pandemic, not the DOH directly.