Team DailyPedia
- DOH Secretary Francisco T. Duque III responds to allegations of a “mafia”-like group within DOH
- Secretary Duque encouraged accusers to file raps before the Ombudsman if they can produce evidence of corruption in the department.
During Monday’s flag ceremony at the department’s central office in Sta. Cruz, Manila, the health secretary encouraged those who have made illicit allegations against the department to come forward and present evidence.
“I encourage those who are painting the Department of Health in bad light to present evidence to substantiate their claims,” Duque said. “I cannot allow accusers to tarnish the good reputation of the Department of Health, which it has gloriously built over the years, by spewing unsubstantiated allegations,” he added.
Secretary Duque’s statement came after Dr. Francis Cruz, a former consultant of Sec. Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial in the DOH, claimed in a media interview that there exists a “mafia”-like group within the DOH, which is being linked to corrupt activities.
“I have always advocated for transparency and good governance and I will not allow corruption
under my watch,” Duque emphasized. “If they have evidence to support the allegations, I encourage them to go forward and file the necessary cases.”
Secretary Duque encouraged accusers to file raps before the Ombudsman if they can produce evidence of corruption in the department. He also urged the health officials named in the allegations to respond formally and clear their names.
“While the allegations are still unsubstantiated at this point, I will order a review of the contracts entered into by the previous administration,” Duque said.
Secretary Duque said that despite the recent controversies hounding the DOH, he still has confidence in the long legacy of professionalism, competence and integrity which has once made the health department No. 1 among line agencies of government in terms of integrity development efforts during his first term as Secretary of Health.
Secretary Duque has been known to be a champion for transformative governance standards in the public sector. Under his previous stewardship of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), the agency was also awarded the Governance Trailblazer seal for four times. He also pushed for the implementation of a Change Management Program, a deliberate, systematic, strategic and unrelenting process of cultural transformation within the agency.
“Now that we are back at the DOH, we will strengthen our good governance campaign and ensure that our officials and staff adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. We will definitely not tolerate corruption,” Secretary Duque concluded.
