‘Walang katumbas:’ Duque grateful for Duterte’s trust

MANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Wednesday expressed appreciation of President Rodrigo Duterte’s continued trust amid calls for his ouster due to his poor handling of the COVID-19 crisis.

“Iyong tiwala ni Pangulo, ika nga ay parang iyong kasabihan na (Because of the President’s trust in me, as the saying goes,) ‘I would take a bullet for this guy’,” Duque said in an interview over dzBB.

“Iyong tiwala niya, walang katumbas. (Pati) iyong appreciation niya sa ginagawa namin,” he added.

(His confidence…is incomparable, including his appreciation of our efforts.)

Last month, 14 senators filed a resolution asking Duque to resign immediately for his “failure of leadership, negligence, lack of foresight and inefficiency” in handling the COVID-19 crisis in the country.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III. INQUIRER file photo / Ryan Leagogo

Last week, the Health chief again drew the heat after he claimed that the Philippines was already in the second wave of the pandemic.

On Monday, the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PHAPi) even wrote Duterte to ask for Duque’s replacement, saying that they “have enough of the promises of PhilHealth and the Department of Health” regarding reimbursements to hospitals.

But in a late Monday night public address, Duterte appeared to have rejected the calls as he consoled his Health chief by asking him not to be too touchy of the criticisms hurled against him.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte ACE MORANDANTE/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

“Alam mo huwag kang masyadong touchy sa mga (Don’t be so touchy on) issues because always there will be pros and cons. Pakinggan lang natin (Just take note of these) because this is a democracy,” Duterte said.

The President likewise defended the Department of Health’s purchase of the allegedly overpriced personal protective equipment.