He ain’t stepping down yet.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has pledged to fight the coronavirus outbreak in the front lines alongside health workers.
Duque, in a statement posted on social media, said he will continue to serve the nation to the best of his ability despite calls for his resignation.
President Duterte earlier directed Duque to remain in his post even as several senators demanded his resignation over alleged failure of leadership in the war against the coronavirus.
“We will answer these allegations in due time, but right now, we will continue to be in the trenches with our health care workers and frontliners,” Duque said.
Duque also asked for public cooperation in combating the dreaded disease outbreak.
“Let us work as a team, as one country fighting for the health and safety of all. I will continue to serve the country to the best of my abilities. Magtulungan po tayo,” he said.
He said the country was at “war with an invisible enemy which to this day remains unpredictable.” He said the nation must “adapt and innovate” to curb the spread of the pandemic.
“Despite all the challenges and limited resources, DOH is making sure that we, as a nation, have a fighting chance against COVID-19. This is not a fight of one man or of one agency, it is a fight for all of us Filipinos,” he said.
