MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday praised Health Secretary Francisco Duque III for leading the country's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Duterte, in a taped public briefing, expressed his admiration for Duque after the latter reported on the Philippines' COVID-19 status.

"That you have done good sa trabaho mo, and the Filipino will never forget that," the president told Duque.

"It's a sacrifice, really, for you to continue doing it, and I had to ask you several times to stay on the job because we need you," Duterte added.

Duterte has repeatedly rejected calls for the firing of the Health chief over his response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the P15-billion corruption allegation against medical state insurer PhilHealth, whose board is chaired by Duque.

He also refused to fire Duque even after the Department of Health battled questions on its management of some P67 billion in funds to address the COVID-19 crisis.

The Commission on Audit earlier flagged "deficiencies" in the use of funds that led to "missed opportunities" to fight the pandemic. Auditors said some of the agency's purchases lacked documentation, had "doubtful" liquidations, had no legal basis, and other deficiencies.

• COA flags 'deficiencies' in DOH management of P67-B COVID funds

At that time, Duterte maintained that Duque did not do anything wrong, and there is no reason for him to be removed from his post.

• 'Wala kang ginawang masama': Duterte says he'll reject Duque resignation

A week later, however, Duterte said he will accept Duque's resignation if he quits voluntarily.

• Duterte changes tack, says he'll accept if Duque quits 'voluntarily'

Duque has also said he is prepared to resign "if the time comes", but he must first clear the DOH of its deficiencies.

• Duque says to resign 'if the time comes' but must clear DOH deficiencies first

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