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Philippines

Ex-VP Binay slams DOH over unspent, misspent pandemic funds

Philippines

Ex-VP Binay slams DOH over unspent, misspent pandemic funds

By Patrick Garcia

Former Vice President Jejomar Binay slammed the Department of Health (DOH) after it was flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA) for deficiency in its utilization of more than P67 billion in COVID-19 response funds.

Ex-Vice President Jejomar Binay

"Nasasayang ang pagod at sakripisyo ng ating medical frontliners. They are being led in this uphill battle against a deadly virus by an inefficient and incompetent Health Secretary (The sacrifice and efforts of our medical frontliners are being wasted. They are being led in this uphill battle against a deadly virus by an inefficient and incompetent Health Secretary)," Binay said in a statement on Thursday, August 11.

"Imagine billions of pesos in health funds unspent or misspent during a pandemic. This is unpardonable," he added.

Binay also slammed the health secretary and other government officials for always placing the blame on the people for their supposed "lack of discipline" whenever a surge in infections occurs.

"The COA report should end this scapegoating. Kayo ang nagkulang, Mister Health Secretary, at mayroong resibo (You're the one who is at fault, Mister Health Secretary, and there are receipts)," he said.

According to the annual COA report for 2020, the deficiencies were mainly caused by non-compliance with laws, rules, and regulations.

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EX-VP BINAY SLAMS DOH MISSPENT FUNDS

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