Senators grill Duque over pandemic response

Senators are questioning Health Secretary Francisco Duque III's conflicting statements and performance concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, with some renewing calls for his resignation.

Senator Panfilo Lacson expressed dismay over Duque's "hubris" and overconfidence, suggesting it affects his efficiency.

Duque's recent statements in a Senate hearing about the Philippines experiencing a "second wave" and having "flattened the curve" were contradicted by Palace officials.

Furthermore, Duque claimed asymptomatic patients are not contagious, a statement disputed by the World Health Organization and the DOH itself.

Lacson warned Duque not to be complacent due to President Duterte's favor, highlighting that the DOH faces issues regarding alleged overpriced procurement of medical supplies and overcharging for COVID-19 testing.

Previously, at least 14 senators had filed a resolution seeking Duque's resignation due to alleged "failure of leadership, negligence, lack of foresight, and inefficiency" in handling the crisis, though President Duterte decided to retain him.