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Duque vows to clear his name

Philippines | National

Duque vows to clear his name

By Analou de Vera

Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III said that he is determined to clear his name after the Senate recommended the filing of criminal charges against him and some officials of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) over the alleged fraudulent activities in the state health insurer.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III
(NTF AGAINST COVID-19 / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

"As I have previously stated, I will cooperate with any inquiry in the matter by the concerned government agencies. Certainly, I intend to clear my name," said Duque.

He said that he recently attended the hearing of the Senate "to shed light on the issues" based on his "personal knowledge."

"This is not the best time for the Executive to have a difference with the Legislative branch," the Health chief said.

"As a non-voting Chairman under the Universal Health Care Law, it is unfortunate that I was impleaded in the alleged IRM (Interim Reimbursement Mechanism) irregularities when I was not even present during the deliberation nor did I sign the Board Resolution," he added.

The Senate conducted three hearings last month to investigate the alleged irregularities in PhilHealth.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire also assured that the DOH chief will cooperate in any investigation.

“Unang-una ang kanya namang pinaparating, just like with any other inquiries or this kind of processes, bukas naman lagi si Secretary Duque sa mga ganitong processes, so that, para lang malaman ang totoo at siya naman ay willing and he will cooperate ,” said Vergeire in a press briefing.

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