Failure on leadership, negligence, inefficiency in the performance of his mandate, and lack of foresight.
These were the focal points of 14 senators when they filed P.S. Resolution No. 363 seeking the immediate resignation of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.
Senator Sonny Angara emphasized the consequences of the failed leadership of Duque, as the Philippines is late for testing and hospitals cannot procure protective gear during this trying time.
Sen. Angara emphasized: “Whether he is removed or not, status quo cannot continue if we want to defeat the virus. Kelangan mas bibo ang liderato dito laban sa virus. We were late for testing, contact tracing is almost non-existent, hospitals short of protective gear, we need to be better. Buhay ng mga Pilipino ang nakasalalay dito.”
In case Duque agrees to the resolution they have filed and resigns, Senator Ping Lacson reiterated that they will not endorse any replacement for Duque, only the President has the authority to appoint, in which he hopes that the replacement should be competent.
Lacson said: “We all agreed not to recommend any replacement. In case he quits, it is all up to the president, being the appointing authority. We are simply for a competent Secretary of Health. Take note: not more competent, but simply a competent one at the helm.”
Despite the resolution filed by 14 senators including President’s closest allies, Duque appealed for unity amid resignation calls to fight continuously the pandemic COVID-19 disease. For Duque, working as a team is what is needed now to deal with the pandemic.
Duque appealed: “We will answer these allegations in due time, but right now, we will continue to be in the trenches with our health care workers and frontliners. Let us work as a team, as one country fighting for the health and safety of all. I will continue to serve the country to the best of my abilities. Magtulungan po tayo.”
