At least 15 senators signed a resolution on Thursday demanding the resignation of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.
The solons cited Duque’s “failure of leadership, lack of transparency and misguided and flip-flopping policies” on responding against COVID-19 pandemic.
The Senate Resolution No. 362 was signed by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senators Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, Grace Poe, Manny Pacquiao, Sherwin Gatchalian, Francis Tolentino, Joel Villanueva, Ronald Dela Rosa, Imee Marcos, Lito Lapid, Bong Revilla, and Panfilo Lacson.
“Knowing fully well the danger posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in the beginning of the year, Secretary Duque failed to put in place the necessary precautionary measures to lessen, if not at all prevent, the impact of this health crisis,” the resolution read.
Commenting on the resolution, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the Palace has no stand on the lawmakers’ demand yet.
“Wala kaming kinalaman kung talagang mayroong ganyang inisyatibo na pag-resignin ang ating kalihim, Secretary of Health. Gaya ng paulit-ulit ko ng nasasabi sa mga nakalipas na panahon, every cabinet member serves at the pleasure of the President. And habang hindi sila tinatanggal, the President continues to have full trust and confidence in them,” he said.
READ MORE: DOH asks volunteers to sign waiver in case they get COVID-19, says group
