‘Really hurt’ Duque says he will stay in his post as long as Duterte trusts him

MANILA, Philippines — While admitting that he was “really hurt” by the call of several senators for him to step down from his post over “failure” in handling the coronavirus pandemic, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said he would stay in his post as long as President Rodrigo Duterte trusts him.

During the technical working group (TWG) meeting of the health subcommittee of House’s Defeat COVID-19 Committee (DCC), Duque said that he respects the opinion of the upper chamber.

The health secretary, however, admitted that he was “hurt” by the move.

“It’s just very unfortunate and I am really hurt that it is at this time when the Senate is calling for my resignation when in fact we need to come together,” Duque said.

“We need to unite. We have such a formidable enemy. This is a war. This is against an invisible enemy. How I wish that the Senate had been more magnanimous and more appreciative of the efforts that we have tried to put in place from the time the threat of COVID-19 began in this country,” he added.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said that President Rodrigo Duterte has decided that Duque will “stay put” from his post.

“But this I have to say. I serve the pleasure of the president and as long as he continues to put his trust and confidence in my capabilities, I will lead the DOH and IATF in putting forward a very effective response against COVID-19 in the country,” Duque said.