Outgoing Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said his successor must be skilled in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Maganda na kung sino ‘yung ilagay eh meron nang naging karanasan din na sumama, naki-isa sa ating tugon sa pandemyang ito. That will serve the interest of the next administration,” said Duque in a Covid-19 vaccination event in Quezon City.
National Task Force Against COVID-19 special adviser Ted Herbosa has been endorsed by the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPi) and the Philippine Medical Association to head the health department through a letter sent to president-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Duque said any group is “free to recommend whoever they think is best” for the position. He noted that those rumored to be considered for the position are competent and have contributed to the country’s Covid-19 response.
As the country’s health chief, Duque was involved in various controversies such as his contribution to the alleged mishandling of billions of pesos in Covid-19 funds with Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp.
Health workers and lawmakers Several have called for Duque to resign or be be fired.. However, the outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte stood firm in his support for Duque.
— Ronald Espartinez