By Raymund Antonio Vice President and opposition leader Leni Robredo said on Thursday that a change in policy and not replacing Health Secretary Francisco Duque III is needed to improve the government’s coronavirus response efforts. Vice President Leni Robredo
(Charlie Villegas, OVP / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) In an interview with ANC’s Headstart, Robredo was asked if Duque should take a leave while he is under investigation of the Office of the Ombudsman. She did not reply in the affirmative. “Mahirap ang kalaban natin, mahirap magpalit ng heneral habang nasa gitna ng laban (We have a tough enemy, it will be difficult to replace a general in the middle of a battle),” she said. Instead of calling for Duque to take a leave, Robredo said she is in favor of adopting policy reforms in the face of the pandemic because changing of guards could lead to more harm than good. ”Mas doon ako sa palitan na lang iyong ginagawa, palitan iyong polisiya, i-improve na lang iyong lahat (I’m for changing what we are doing, changing the policies, improving everything),” she said. ”I’m not in favor of ruffling everything in the midst of it all kasi baka lalong maging sintonado lahat ng ginagawa (because all of the efforts might become more out of sync),” she said. Duque and other health officials are facing an Ombudsman probe on allegations of anomalies in the Department of Health’s (DOH) coronavirus response. They are being investigated for the procure of testing kits, personal protective equipment, and other medical gear for health workers, confusing and delayed reporting of COVID-19 deaths and confirmed cases, among others. Robredo said Duque should be open to criticisms and support from the private sector in the fight against COVID-19. “Unless he (Duque) doesn't want to listen then it would be time for him to leave. He has to make people feel that this is all our fight,” she said.