President Rodrigo Duterte handed praises to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III for doing good in his job, despite criticism against the official on previous controversies.
"I'd like to just say something … that you have done good sa trabaho mo. And the Filipino will never forget that," Duterte told Duque on his Monday's "Talk to the People."
(I'd like to just say something … that you have done good in your job. And the Filipino will never forget that.)
"It's a sacrifice really for you, to continue doing it, and I had to ask you several times to stay on the job because we need you," he added.
He made the remarks despite criticism against Duque for the Health Department's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and alleged irregularities on the agency's funds.
Last year, calls were also made for Duque to resign from his post as health secretary, with Duterte confirming that Duque already attempted to resign.
The president, however, refused to let him go and defended that Duque did nothing wrong.
A partial draft report from Senator Richard Gordon is now recommending plunder, graft, and other criminal and administrative charges against Duque, due to his involvement in the Department of Health's anomalous deals with Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation executives.
