Sacked FDA chief ‘clueless’ about ‘corruption allegations’ against her

MANILA, Philippines —Nela Charade Puno, who has been fired recently from her job as Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General, on Friday said she is “clueless” about any corruption allegations being hurled against her by President Rodrigo Duterte.

“I take exception to the mention of so-called ‘corruption allegations’ because I am clueless as to what these are. I have not been charged in any legal proceedings nor am I aware of any official investigations being undertaken in relation to corruption involving me,” she said in a statement.

According to her, she served as FDA chief for two years and 10 months “with complete diligence, dedication, and loyalty.”

“Of course, if there will be any such allegations forthcoming, I am more than ready to face these in any forum,” Puno also said.

In a letter to Puno on May 15, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said she was fired due to alleged graft and corruption although the Palace official did not cite any particular case.

READ: Duterte fires FDA chief Nela Charade Puno over alleged corruption

Even Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, who read Medialdea’s letter to Puno on Thursday, May 16, did not state the exact corruption issue against Puno.

Puno, nevertheless, said she accepts her termination “without any ill-feelings.”

“As a presidential appointee, I serve at the pleasure of the President and therefore I accept this decision without any ill-feelings,” she said.

“I leave FDA with a clear conscience and what I believe to be a clean record,” she added. (Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)