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MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte refused to fire Secretary of Health Francisco Duque III.
In a televised address Monday, Duterte told his designated health chief, “Secretary Duque, this is not the time for you to resign. I’ve heard stories about you quitting. I have full confidence in you. Ang akin lang naman diyan ‘yung corruption “.
“There is an ongoing investigation, let it be, if you are not guilty of corruption … ang kalaban ko lang ho ‘yung corruption,” he added.
The president was referring to the investigation led by the Department of Justice into alleged corruption in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), where Duque also serves as ex officio president.
In response, Duque thanked the president for his continued confidence.
The Senate Committee of the Whole, which conducted an investigation into the PhilHealth funding mess, recently recommended the filing of criminal charges against Duque and several others for the allegedly questionable release of billions of funds under the advance measure of agency emergency cash.
READ: Senate panel wants Duque, Morales and other executives to be sued over PhilHealth funding disaster
Duque, who promised to clear his name, has since dismissed the committee’s findings as “unfounded” that were based on “mere allegations only.”
READ: Duque condemns ‘unfounded findings’ on Senate recommendation to press charges against him
In addition to the criminal charges, the Senate panel also asked Duterte to replace Duque and appoint a new health secretary “who has a stronger will to fight corruption.”
KGA
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