Health Secretary Enrique Ona. AFP FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – So is Health Secretary Enrique Ona just sick or there’s more to his month-long leave?
President Benigno Aquino III on Monday admitted that he allowed the health secretary to file a leave of absence because of pending issues at work.
Earlier reports said Ona was forced to go on a “medical leave” because of severe allergic reactions from a hair dye.
“We have several questions addressed to Secretary Ona, specifically about the vaccination campaign,” Aquino said during a televised media interview.
He said they are still determining the right balance between preventive and curative aspects of public health.
“He cannot answer the question if he still continues to do his day-to-day functions as secretary of health so he asked for a leave to prepare the answers to my questions,” Aquino said.
He said Ona also pointed out that there was a need to assist hospitals with deteriorating facilities.
A media report said Ona was most likely forced to file a leave after his P600 million funding request for the rehabilitation of the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine amid the Ebola outbreak abroad.
The report said the government allegedly has yet to find a source for the budget.
Asked if he is still satisfied with the work of the secretary, Aquino said it will depend on his answers upon his return.
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