Will President Duterte let go of DOH Sec. Duque?
President Rodrigo Duterte, as reports stated, is planning to replace Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.
Duque became controversial these past few days amid the Philippines’ battle against COVIS-19. His statement that the country is now experiencing the second wave of the new coronavirus was criticized by many, especially that Malacanang officials contradicted what he said.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque stressed that the health secretary might have interpreted the data differently. On the other hand, that did not pacify the urge of many people to question is credibility. Another issue that was thrown to Duque was the accusation against the DOH of overpricing the procurement of medical equipment used to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
The President has already ordered the investigation of the said allegation against the health department. However, Duque said that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is the one responsible for the discrepancies in the purchases.
In line with these recent issues against Sec. Duque, recent reports stated that President Duterte is already scouting for the replacement of the DOH chief, based on the article from The Philippine Star.
A source of the news entity stated, “I understand the President is now looking around for somebody to replace Duque.” However, reportedly, another source stated that the firing of the health secretary or his resignation would be in time amid the fight against the pandemic.
“It is hard to change horses midstream, so the President should not take long to act on it,” Philstar’s source stated.
Based on the report, a cabinet member of the Chief Executive who requested not to be named also stated this: “We hope the President will not take long to give Duque the way out. He has to go.”
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