Talks of Duque resignation revived in Senate after ‘second wave’ blunder

Discussions on whether Health Secretary Francisco Duque III should resign or not has resurfaced among senators on Friday following the "second wave" gaffe of the Cabinet official.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the "pressure" should not be on President Rodrigo Duterte but on Duque.

"In other countries, if an official makes a big blunder, they immediately resign out of delicadeza," he said in a message.

During a Senate hearing earlier this week, Duque said the Philippines is already experiencing the "second wave" of COVID-19—causing confusion and panic for some.

He clarified later on that it is the "first major wave of sustained transmission" in the country.

Senate Minority Franklin Drilon acknowledged that Duque serves at the pleasure of Duterte and that the decision on resignation can also be decided by the two.

"Having said that, they cannot deny that there are grave and unforgivable lapses made by Secretary Duque being at the forefront of this fight against COVID-19," he said.

"He was negligent. He did not exercise the due diligence expected of him as PhilHealth Chair. These issues affect the credibility of the DOH to lead this fight," he added.

Drilon recently flagged the "overpriced

Malacañang said Duterte has called for an investigation on the said allegation.

Senator Risa Hontiveros said the confusing statements of the DOH chief about COVID-19 transmission and the alleged overpricing issues "erode the public’s trust" in the government’s pandemic response.

"These gaffes do not inspire confidence in the health department’s programs to address the pandemic. Lives are at stake. The Secretary has to shape up or ship out," she said.

Senator Sonny Angara also thinks the recent developments will not convince some senators to reconsider their call for Duque's resignation over alleged failure of leadership.

"I don’t think the latest statements of the DOH Secretary will make the 14 senators who passed a resolution some weeks ago, asking for his resignation, change their mind," he said.

"Sad to say, his statements have hurt the department and the government’s efforts more than helping, since his remarks have caused confusion amongst the public," he added.

The Palace, on the other hand, said Duque should be allowed to perform his job of addressing the threat of COVID-19 in the country amid mounting criticisms against him. —LDF, GMA News