The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday expressed their support to their leader--Secretary Francisco Duque III amid criticisms on his performance in handling the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation in the country.
“You all know that a lot of criticisms and a lot of bashing is being thrown at DOH right now, kami basta we still support our secretary,” said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.
(PCOO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Vergeire made the statement after being asked about the claim of columnist Ramon Tulfo saying that “the President is just waiting for Duque to hand him a resignation letter,” quoting a source from Malacanang.
The DOH spokesperson said that they would just continue working in addressing the country’s current health situation.
“As I said before--kailangan lagi na meron leader sa isang unit especially in times of this kind of emergency and kami kahit na sinasabi na ganyan and ganito, we still support our secretary ,” said Vergeire.
Vergeire said that Duque still provides them “with that direction and we are all working hard because he gives us that enlightenment and guidance.”
“Sa amin dito sa DOH it is still the same regular day-to-day activity… Sa ngayon we are just working very hard para lang ma attain natin yung objectives natin ,” she said.
President Duterte also defended Duque last Tuesday amid calls for the latter to quit his post.
The DOH is currently being investigated by the Office of the Ombudsman due to alleged delayed procurement of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers; and the “inaction” of the DOH in releasing and processing of financial compensation to healthcare workers who succumbed or fell ill due to COVID-19.