Malacañang said Thursday that President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to respond to the state auditor’s findings on spending “deficiencies” in the P67-billion COVID-19 response fund.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque cited the Commission on Audit’s annual report showing that the deficiencies were mainly due to non-compliance with laws, rules, and regulations in the transfer of funds.
Based on the COA report, P42.41 billion was transferred to procurement or implementing partner agencies without a memorandum of agreement and other supporting documents.
“The President’s instructions is for them to answer COA’s observation. There are no sacred cows in this administration,” Roque said.
“Hindi po natin minamaliit ang obserbasyon ng COA. Napakabigat po niyan. Inaasahan po natin ang kumprehensibo at malinaw na kasagutan mula kay Secretary Duque (We don’t take the observation lightly. The finding is heavy. We expect a comprehensive and clear answer from Secretary Duque),” Roque added.
Meanwhile, Roque assured the public that the President will never hesitate to take action against corrupt practices.
“Given evidence, the President will take appropriate action. He has proven this in the past and will continue to do so until his last day in office,” Roque pointed out. —GMA News
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