Here’s the reaction of several senators on ’emotional’ statements of Health Secretary Duque
Several senators called out Health Secretary Francisco Duque III following his emotional statements against the Commission on Audit (COA).
Recently, Duque lambasted COA for its report regarding the deficiencies in the Department of Health’s (DOH) spending on the P67 billion COVID-19 response fund.
The planned purchase of 4 laptops amounting to P700,000; P42.4 billion fund transfer to the DBM without proper documentation and failure to disburse some P4.8 million in financial assistance to health care workers were among the questionable items flagged by COA.
On Wednesday, several senators call out Duque over his emotional statements versus COA.
According to Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, “pandemic is not an excuse to do away with transparency.”
On the other hand, Senator Risa Hontiveros said that the current health crisis should not be a “contest on which agency is most hardworking, most tired or most pitiful.”
She stressed that if there’s anything besmirched, it’s the future of millions of ordinary citizens.
Minority Sen. Francis Pangilinan noted that receiving reports of corruption in the health department is demoralizing.
Senator Pia Cayetano for her part reminded the DOH that it is the mandate of COA to review spending and procurement systems among government agencies.
Juan Miguel Zubiri, the Senate Majority Leader, also defended the state auditor that its role “is essential for good governance.”
Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. for his part reminded the health department that it should not be “emotional” over issues faced.
Meanwhile, COA Chairperson Michael Aguinaldo said that DOH was given 60 days to respond to its recommendations.
Amid the issues hurled against the health department, President Rodrigo Duterte said he would not accept Duque’s resignation if ever he steps down from his post as health chief.
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