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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider DOH execs back Duque, say there's no need for him to take a leave of absence yet

DOH execs back Duque, say there's no need for him to take a leave of absence yet

Published Jun 19, 2020 12:00 am
By Analou De Vera The Department of Health (DOH) expressed its support for its chief--Secretary Francisco Duque III---saying there's no need yet for him to take a leave of absence amid the Ombudsman's investigation on the DOH's alleged irregularities in handling the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Department of Health Secretary Dr. Francisco Duque III (PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN) Department of Health Secretary Dr. Francisco Duque III
(PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN) “Hindi pa natin nakikita yung pangangailangan para mag leave si Secretary Duque para dito sa sinasabing imbestigasyon na isasagawa ng Ombudsman ,” said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire in a press briefing. Vergeire said that they have not yet received a “formal communication” from the Ombudsman with regards to the investigation. “We are now preparing para dito sa imbestigasyon kung saka-sakali. Bukas din ang tanggapan namin kung sakaling meron ngang ganitong imbestigasyon ,” she said. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday said that Duque should consider taking a leave of absence while the Ombudsman is conducting the investigation. Vergeire, DOH spokesperson, said they fully support Duque as their chief. “We give our full support to the Secretary and we still think that he should be retained dito sa kaniyang posisyon,” said Vergeire. She added that DOH officials need the guidance of Duque amid the health crisis. “Sana naiintidihan po ng mga tao kaya po nakakayanan ng mga undersecretaries ang aming trabaho dahil meron po kaming leader na katulad ni Secretary Duque ,” she added. “Napaka importante po ng isang leader sa isang organisasyon. Kahit po nakaupo lang sya dyan pero kung sya ay nirerespeto at sya ay nakakapagbigay ng kumpinyansa para sa mga tauhan nya, sa tingin ko po gumagaling ang mga tao sa ilalim nya ,” she added.
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