Duque to respond to senators’ call for his resignation in ‘due time’ | Inquirer News

Duque to respond to senators’ call for his resignation in ‘due time’

/ 04:46 PM April 16, 2020

duque DOH warns against eating raw meat, exotic animals amid coronavirus outbreak

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III (File photo by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Thursday refused to dwell on calls for his resignation amid the coronavirus outbreak, saying that he will answer them in “due time”.

Duque issued the statement after at least 14 senators signed a resolution calling for his resignation due to the “failure of leadership” in addressing the COVID-19 crisis.

Article continues after this advertisement

For now, Duque said that he will continue to serve the Philippines to the best of his abilities as the country grapples with the virus.

FEATURED STORIES

“We will answer these allegations in due time, but right now, we will continue to be in the trenches with our health care workers and frontliners,” Duque said.

“Let us work as a team, as one country fighting for the health and safety of all. I will continue to serve the country to the best of my abilities. Magtulungan po tayo,” he added.

Article continues after this advertisement

According to Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, President Rodrigo Duterte rejected the call for Duque’s resignation.

Article continues after this advertisement

“The President has made a decision for Health Secretary Duque to stay put. He also expressed his appreciation for the Senators’ gesture in giving him the opportunity to weigh his options on the performance of his SOH (Secretary of Health),” Medialdea told reporters in a text message.

Article continues after this advertisement

The beleaguered health chief said that the agency is making sure that the country “have a fighting chance against COVID-19” despite all the challenges and limited resources.

“This is not a fight of one man or of one agency, it is a fight for all of us Filipinos,” Duque pointed out.

Article continues after this advertisement

On Thursday afternoon, the Department of Health reported 207 new cases of the respiratory disease, bringing the country’s total to 5,660, including 362 deaths and 435 recoveries.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

For more news about the novel coronavirus click here.
What you need to know about Coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.

The Inquirer Foundation supports our healthcare frontliners and is still accepting cash donations to be deposited at Banco de Oro (BDO) current account #007960018860 or donate through PayMaya using this link.

TAGS: Coronavirus, COVID-19, DoH, NcoV, Outbreak, resignation, Rodrigo Duterte, Senate

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.