MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday lauded Health Secretary Francisco Duque III’s efforts and defended him anew by saying he cannot find a reason to suspend him.
“Ang nahalata ko dito sa panahon mo, is the surveillance and the vigilance in keeping track of possible outbreak, I like that and you’ve been doing it,” Duterte told Duque in a televised meeting with other government officials.
(What I observed during your time is the surveillance and the vigilance in keeping track of possible outbreak. I like that and you’ve been doing it.)
“That’s why I cannot find any plausible or even a meager argument for your suspension. Wala akong nakitang ano, trabaho mo maganda, with the surveillance that you are doing and the vigilance, public health, is amply protected,” he added.
(That’s why I cannot find any plausible or even a meager argument for your suspension. Your work is good with the surveillance that you are doing and the vigilance, public health is amply protected.)
This is not the first time Duterte defended Duque despite being linked in alleged irregularities at the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).
Previously, Duterte said he does not know where to base his decision on calls from Congress to suspend Duque. He added that the health official did not steal any funds.
Task Force PhilHealth, which Duterte created, recommended the filing of graft charges against several PhilHealth officials, including its former president Ricardo Morales.
It only recommended “strong admonition” for Duque for the “grave consequence” of their action or inaction on the state insurer’s funds.