“I think my position is clear already, the mere fact that I signed the resolution calling for his resignation and I still stand by that decision.”
This was Senator Nancy Binay’s statement pertaining to the Health Department Secretary Francisco Duque III’s performance as a leader during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The said resolution, signed by 13 other senators back in April, called for his stepping down due to his “failure of leadership” amid the crisis.
President Rodrigo Duterte had repeatedly rejected calls for his health chief’s resignation and defended his capabilities and track record.
“Kami sa Senado, majority of us already expressed our sentiments na baka he is not the right guy at the moment for us to solve this problem,” Binay added.
The Office of the Ombudsman has an ongoing investigation of Duque and other health officials over allegedly overpriced coronavirus testing kits, delayed safety gear for medical workers, lapses in the death of health frontliners and the processing of their benefits, and “confusing” reporting of COVID-19 cases.
