Senators slam Duque's nCoV response management

Senators continue to criticize Health Secretary Francisco Duque III's management of the novel coronavirus (nCoV) response, citing shortcomings and delays.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri expressed dissatisfaction with the DOH's actions, particularly the slow contact tracing of co-passengers of infected Chinese nationals.

Duque's claim that airline confidentiality policies hindered access to passenger lists was refuted by airlines, including Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines, which stated they provided full manifests and contact details to the Bureau of Quarantine.

Senator Panfilo Lacson criticized Duque for making excuses and failing to take responsibility for the contact tracing blunder, where only 17 percent of passengers were reached.

Lacson pointed out that Duque blamed his personnel and airlines for the failure, which he deemed a failure of leadership.

The DOH confirmed the third nCoV case on Wednesday and has been urged to expedite efforts, including procuring protective equipment for health workers.

The first positive nCoV case was reported on January 30, followed by the first fatality on February 2, after a delayed travel ban from China, Hong Kong, and Macau.