Duque claims he had proven critics wrong on COVID-19 pandemic

Outgoing Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Monday claimed he had proven his critics wrong in his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

In Victoria Tulad’s report on “24 Oras,” Duque thanked the officials of the Department of Health (DOH) for their dedication despite the challenges they encountered.

“Binatikos tayo, we were assailed, we were vilified, we were crucified. In the end, people are enjoying Alert Level 1. They're now enjoying the fruits of the DOH labor,” he said in his speech during his last flag-raising ceremony as Health Secretary.

(We were criticized, we were assailed, we were vilified, we were crucified. In the end, people are enjoying Alert Level 1. They're now enjoying the fruits of the DOH labor.)

“Because of you, the Filipino people are more safe amidst this pandemic. And after all, the policies we've put together have proven to be the correct policies,” he said.

Duque admitted he also made wrong decisions in the coronavirus pandemic response but stressed there was no “playbook” for it.

“Buong mundo, pinanood ang pandemyang ito. Wala namang magaling dito. Wala naman tayong playbook. Wala naman tayong dating karanasan para sabihin natin na 'ito ang dapat gawin bukas' pero pinakita natin ang katatagan ng DOH,” he said.

(The whole world struggled with this pandemic. There is no right here. No playbook. We had no prior experience to say "we should do this tomorrow." But we showed the strength of the DOH.)

To recall, groups had repeatedly called for Duque’s resignation due to his supposed failed policies against the pandemic and questionable handling of the country’s COVID-19 response fund.

But President Rodrigo Duterte defended him.

“Ako, personally, talagang nagpapasalamat because he stood by me. He believed in your secretary’s integrity and probity. And the track record,” said Duque.

(Personally, I thank him because he stood by me. He believed in your secretary’s integrity and probity. And the track record.)

After his term ends, the secretary said he hopes DOH personnel would continue to support and strengthen the health agency. — Sundy Locus/DVM, GMA News