Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 15) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday praised Health Secretary Francisco Duque III for leading the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You have done good sa trabaho mo (in your job) and the Filipinos will never forget that,” Duterte said. “It’s a sacrifice really for you to continue doing it and I had to ask you several times to stay on the job because we need you.”
Duque has faced repeated calls to resign for allegedly mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic response, and for allegedly getting into anomalous deals using the government’s funds for the health crisis.
In its partial report, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee recommended the filing of criminal and administrative charges against Duque and other personalities involved in the alleged anomaly in the government’s deal with Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. for the purchase of medical supplies for pandemic response.
The President has defended Duque, saying he will never fire the health chief because the he did nothing wrong.
READ: Duterte: I will stand by Duque even if it will bring me down
