Senator Risa Hontiveros also rejected on Tuesday, May 4, President Duterte's belief that Health Secretary Francisco Duque III was the "hero" in the Philippines' fight against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

What the country needs is accountability from government officials, and not Duque's recognition, Hontiveros stressed.

"Tama na itong linggo-linggong pa-awarding ceremony ng administrasyon (Enough of this weekly awarding ceremony by the administration)," the opposition senator said in a statement.

"Walang pinupuntahan ang pagtatakipan nila live on national television habang nadadagdagan ang mga nagugutom, nagkakasakit at namamatay dahil sa palpak nilang pagtugon sa COVID-19 (There is no sense with our officials covering up for each other on national television while those who go hungry, get sick, and die increase by the day because of their failed COVID-19 response)," she added.

"Appointed ang isang health secretary, hindi sya pinili ng taumbayan, pero apektado ang buhay natin sa kaniyang kawalang-kakayahan (While a health secretary is appointed by the President and not elected by the people, our lives are affected by his incompetence)," Hontiveros said of Duque.

"Let’s celebrate the real heroes: the healthcare workers and the breadwinners who brave the threat of this pandemic and risk their lives in the service of their families and communities," the lawmaker pointed out.

Earlier, several senators disagreed that Duque's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic should be praised, with some saying health workers should instead be cited.

Echoing her colleagues, Hontiveros reminded Duterte that "it was on Secretary Duque’s advice that government was late in implementing travel bans" when the novel coronavirus was starting to spread in China last year.

She added: "It is under his (Duque) watch that the country has procured overpriced PPEs and test kits, and delayed hazard pay for healthcare workers."

"These are just some of the avoidable and yet deadly faults of the DOH under Sec. Duque’s leadership," she said.

Hontiveros said that instead of "celebrating" officials despite their lapses, the government should support her call for a special audit of the appropriations under the two Bayanihan laws.

"Let the Health Secretary be accountable if there has been any wastage of the already limited resources of the country," she said.

"If they really want to be like the heroes of the pandemic, then step up," Hontiveros reiterated.