Pres. Duterte Defends DOH Sec. Duque From Criticisms Anew
DUTERTE – PH President Rodrigo Roa Duterte once again defended Health Undersecretary Francisco Duque III from criticisms.
One of the government agencies that is currently facing a lot of issues is the Department of Health (DOH). Led by health undersecretary Francisco Duque III, the Commission on Audit (COA) previously flagged the Department over certain spendings.
COA pointed the spendings of the Health Department on catering services amid virtual meetings. The findings of the independent constitution commission sparked different reactions from the public.
There were a lot of criticisms thrown against DOH and Duque. Like several instances in the past, Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte defended the DOH Secretary and his department.
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![President Rodrigo Roa Duterte](https://philnews.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/President-Rodrigo-Roa-Duterte-4.jpg)
Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, Pres. Duterte stressed that it was unfair for Duque and the DOH to have been painted black following the findings of COA especially after the audit department clarified that there was no corruption in the health department.
“Walang corruption, walang nawala, ngayon na lang sinasabi nila. And yet the damage had already been done,” the President said.
According to Pres. Duterte, the money could have been used for projects and purchases but it was still money which is important now. He stressed that he could not afford to just fire Duque, whom he appointed, after he was accused and painted black.
![DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III](https://philnews.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DOH-Secretary-Francisco-Duque-III-1.jpg)
The 76-years-old President further said that he will accept if it is Duque who will voluntarily tender his resignation but it will never happen that he will be the one to fire him. According to him, he will stand by him even if his commitment to the health Secretary will be the reason for his downfall. He stressed that he will never abandon someone who has not committed a mistake.
“Maski kami na lang ni Duque and the rest of the Philippines, I will stand by him. ‘Pag nasira ako, eh di nasira,” the Chief Executive.
Currently, the Department of Health (DOH) is on the move to respond to the order of the President over the release of the benefits for the health care workers. Previously, the frontliners warned of mass resignation over the allowances they have yet to receive since last year.
You may visit – Duque Speaks on Benefits for Health Workers
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