Palace: Ombudsman probe of Duque will proceed despite Duterte's support

President Rodrigo Duterte and his spokesperson Harry Roque say the Ombudsman's investigation into Health Secretary Francisco Duque III will proceed despite Duterte's support for Duque.

Roque emphasized the independence of the Ombudsman, stating that investigations will be based on laws such as the Anti-Graft Law and Code of Conduct for Public Officers.

Duterte vowed to defend his officials' integrity and stated he would face the Ombudsman himself if needed, asserting there are no anomalies in Duque's handling of the COVID-19 response.