Examine individual changes

'{{short description|Filipino government official and physician}} {{Use Philippine English|date=August 2020}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2020}} {{Philippine name|Tiongson|[[Duque]]}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Francisco Duque III | image = Secretary Dr. Francisco Duque - 2018 (cropped).jpg | imagesize = | smallimage = | caption = Duque in 2018 | order = | office = [[Secretary of Health (Philippines)|Secretary of Health]] | president = [[Rodrigo Duterte]] | term_start = October 26, 2017 | term_end = | predecessor = [[Paulyn Ubial]] | president2 = [[Gloria Macapagal Arroyo]] | 1blankname2 = {{nowrap|House Speaker}} | term_start2 = June 1, 2005 | term_end2 = September 1, 2009 | succeeding2 = | predecessor2 = Manuel Dayrit | successor2 = [[Esperanza Cabral]] | office3 = Chairman of the [[Civil Service Commission (Philippines)|Civil Service Commission]] | term_start3 = February 3, 2010 | term_end3 = September 15, 2015 | predecessor3 = [[Ricardo Saludo]] | successor3 = Alicia de la Rosa Bala | birth_name = Francisco Tiongson Duque III | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1957|2|13}} | birth_place = | death_date = | death_place = | party = | spouse = | relations = | children = | residence = | education = [[University of Santo Tomas]] ([[Bachelor of Science|BS]], [[Doctor of Medicine|MD]])<br />[[Georgetown University]] ([[Master of Science|MS]]) | occupation = | signature = Francisco Duque III Signature.svg | website = | footnotes = }} '''Francisco Tiongson Duque III'''<!--Academic degrees and professional qualifications may be mentioned in the article, but should be omitted from the lead [[MOS:POSTNOM]]--> ({{IPA-tl|fɾɐnˈsisko ˈdukɛ|lang}}; born February 13, 1957) is a corrupt Filipino physician and a government official serving as [[Secretary of Health (Philippines)|Secretary of Health]] since 2017 in the [[Presidency of Rodrigo Duterte|Cabinet]] of President [[Rodrigo Duterte]], a position he had previously held from 2005 to 2009 in the [[Presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo|Cabinet]] of President [[Gloria Macapagal Arroyo]].<ref>{{cite web|author1=Commission on Audit|title=Report on Salaries and Allowances CY 2015|url=https://www.coa.gov.ph/phocadownloadpap/userupload/report-on-salaries-and-allowances/CY2015_%20Report_on_Salaries_and_Allowances.pdf|website=coa.gov.ph|publisher=Commission on Audit|access-date=January 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121035823/https://www.coa.gov.ph/phocadownloadpap/userupload/report-on-salaries-and-allowances/CY2015_%20Report_on_Salaries_and_Allowances.pdf|archive-date=January 21, 2018|page=131}}</ref> From 2010 to 2015, he served as the chair of the [[Civil Service Commission (Philippines)|Civil Service Commission]].<ref>[http://excell.csc.gov.ph/cscweb/commission.html#chair Dr. Francisco T. Duque III, MD, MSc, Chairman, Philippine Civil Service Commission]. [[Philippines Civil Service Commission]]</ref> Duque, along with the [[Secretary of the Interior and Local Government]] [[Eduardo Año]], have been heavily criticized by the public for incompetency,<ref>{{cite web|last=Buan|first=Lian|title=Medical students: COA report shows Duque is 'incapable' health chief|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/philippine-medical-students-association-statement-coa-report-doh|work=[[Rappler]]|date=August 14, 2021|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref> corruption of funds, and the mishandling and failure of leadership during the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines]]. Such shortcomings resulted in over 30,000 deaths nationwide, devastating economic losses for the country resulting in millions of jobs lost, shutting down of most businesses, and very delayed delivery of vaccines.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/01/21/duterte-duque-resign-fired |title='Bakit ko tanggalin?': Duterte admits some Cabinet officials want Duque fired |publisher=ABS-CBN News |date=July 1, 2021 |access-date=August 3, 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1427527/duque-not-a-hero-should-be-blamed-for-failed-pandemic-response-drilon |title=Duque not a ‘hero,’ should be blamed for ‘failed’ pandemic response — Drilon |publisher=Inquirer.net |last1=Mendoza |first1=John Eric |date=May 5, 2021 |access-date=August 3, 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1462096/doh-dodges-string-of-controversies-under-duterte |title=DOH dodges string of controversies under Duterte |publisher=Inquirer.net |last1=Gonzales |first1=Cathrine |date=July 21, 2021 |access-date=August 3, 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/768331/lacson-duque-failure-cost-philippines-pfizer-vaccines-in-january/story/ |title=Lacson: Duque's failure cost Philippines Pfizer vaccines by January |publisher=GMA News Online |date=December 17, 2021 |access-date=August 3, 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3097707/philippines-failing-contain-coronavirus-despite |title=Philippines failing to contain coronavirus, despite multiple lockdowns |publisher=South China Morning Post |date=August 17, 2020 |access-date=August 3, 2021 }}</ref>{{citation overkill|date=August 2021}} There have been calls for Duque's resignation from the general public, medical frontliners, politicians, and other government officials but it is yet to be known whether the health secretary will carry on with his stint.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1472725/fwd-p67-b-funds-issue-group-calls-for-duque-resignation-over-grievous-betrayal-of-public-trust |title=P67B funds issue: Group calls for Duque resignation over ‘grievous betrayal of public trust’ |publisher=Inquirer.net |date=August 12, 2021 |access-date=August 14, 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://mb.com.ph/2021/08/13/lower-house-official-to-duque-spare-palace-from-further-embarrassment-resign-now/ |title=Lower House official to Duque: Spare Palace from further embarrassment; resign now |publisher=Manila Bulletin |last1=Rosario |first1=Ben |date=August 13, 2021 |access-date=August 14, 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/senators-repeat-call-duque-resignation-final-report-philhealth-mess |title=Senators repeat call for Duque’s resignation in final report on PhilHealth mess |publisher=Rappler |last1=Gotinga |first1=JC |date=September 7, 2020 |access-date=August 14, 2021 }}</ref> President [[Rodrigo Duterte]], who defended Duque several times from criticism despite obvious show of incompetence, stated that he will not fire Duque but will accept if he would voluntarily resign.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/08/25/news/duterte-wont-fire-duquebut-will-accept-voluntary-resignation/1812268 |title=Duterte won't fire Duque but will accept voluntary resignation |publisher=The Manila Times |last1=Valente |first1=Catherine S. |date=August 25, 2021 |access-date=August 26, 2021 }}</ref> Due to the health secretary's delinquency over unreleased monetary benefits for health workers, mass protests were held at various hospitals in the country on August 30, 2021, on National Heroes' Day.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://philippineslifestyle.com/health-workers-protest-national-heroes/ |title=Health workers protest for benefits on National Heroes’ Day |publisher=Philippines Lifestyle News |last1=Fermin |first1=Margaret |date=August 30, 2021 |access-date=August 30, 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.ucanews.com/news/philippine-health-workers-strike-over-unpaid-benefits/93920 |title=Philippine health workers strike over unpaid benefits |publisher=UCA News |last1=Calleja |first1=Joseph Peter |date=August 30, 2021 |access-date=August 30, 2021 }}</ref> However, Duque blames private hospitals for the delayed release of benefits to health workers.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/08/18/21/duque-blames-private-hospitals-for-delayed-release-of-benefits |title=Duque blames private hospitals for delayed release of benefits to medical frontliners |publisher=ABS-CBN News |date=August 18, 2021 |access-date=August 30, 2021 }}</ref> ==Early life and education== Duque earned his high school diploma from Lourdes School of Quezon City in 1974 and his bachelor's degree in [[zoology]] from the [[University of Santo Tomas]] (UST) in 1978.<ref name="philhealth1">{{cite web|url=https://www.philhealth.gov.ph/about_us/bod/Board_CV_Duque.pdf |title=CV |publisher=www.philhealth.gov.ph |access-date=November 21, 2019}}</ref> He then obtained his [[Doctor of Medicine]] degree from the [[University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery|UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery]] in 1982.<ref name="philhealth1"/> Duque continued his education in the [[United States]], where he earned his [[Master of Science degree]] in pathology from [[Georgetown University]] in 1987.<ref name="philhealth1"/> It was at Georgetown where he underwent scientific training in [[women's health]] from 1985 to 1988.<ref name="philhealth1"/> In 1992, Duque finished a post-graduate course on executive education [[Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health|Harvard School of Public Health]].<ref name="philhealth1"/> == Early career == From 1989 to 1995, Duque served as the Dean of the College of Medicine of [[Lyceum-Northwestern University]].{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} He also was Director of the [[University of Pangasinan]] at the same time (1989–1999).{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} Duque then became the Administrator of the Lyceum-Northwestern University General Hospital the following year and became its Executive Vice-President the same time. He eventually stepped down from those positions in 2000. ==Government career== ===PhilHealth President (2001–2005)=== In June 2001, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo appointed Duque as President & CEO of the [[Philippine Health Insurance Corporation]] (PhilHealth).<ref name="philhealth1"/> As President of PhilHealth, he initiated and directed PhilHealth's Plan 500/GMA Indigent Program which fast tracked the enrollment of 500,000 urban poor beneficiaries into the National Health Insurance Plan (NHIP) in one (1) year.<ref>[https://nvesnilgoaschok.tk/enhance/francisco-duque-iii-biography.php]{{dead link|date=November 2019}}</ref> By 2003, indigent enrollment from the NHIP initiative totaled 8 million beneficiaries. President Arroyo presented PhilHealth as a showcase of her administration's successes through the successful enrollment of 5.9&nbsp;million families or 29,901,890 beneficiaries in the NHIP by 2004.<ref name="rappleriii"/> ===First stint as Secretary of Health (2005–2009)=== On June 1, 2005, President Arroyo appointed Duque as Secretary of the Department of Health because of his efficient leadership at the helm of PhilHealth.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2005/05/19/278297/dayrit-doh-personnel-support-my-successor |title=Dayrit to DOH personnel: Support my successor |work=The Philippine Star|date=May 19, 2005 |access-date=November 21, 2019}}</ref> As [[Department of Health (Philippines)|DOH]] Secretary, the agency achieved many impressive breakthroughs and milestones regarding public health care that helped DOH earn high approval ratings.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=https://www.doh.gov.ph/press-release/DOH-WELCOMES-BACK-SECRETARY-FRANCISCO-DUQUE-III |title=DOH WELCOMES BACK SECRETARY FRANCISCO T. DUQUE III &#124; Department of Health website |publisher=Doh.gov.ph |access-date=November 21, 2019}}</ref> During his tenure, the [[World Health Organization]] (WHO) cited the Philippines for being one of only three nations that had excellent risk communication strategies against the deadly [[AH1N1]] virus.<ref name="autogenerated1"/> His five-year stewardship of the DOH was also marked by quick and stable response efforts against various health emergencies and disasters such as the Guimaras oil spill (2005), the Leyte Guinsaugon landslide (2006), St. Andrew's School mercury spill (2006), melamine-laced milk products (2008), Typhoon Ondoy (2009) and the Ebola Reston in pigs (2009).<ref name="autogenerated1"/> Duque also served concurrently as the Anti-Hunger Czar via his role as Chair of the National Nutrition Council (NNC), tasked by the President to oversee the implementation of the hunger mitigation programs of 27 government agencies.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2007/03/27/391643/gma-creates-anti-hunger-task-force |title=GMA creates anti-hunger task force |work=The Philippine Star|date=March 27, 2007 |access-date=November 21, 2019}}</ref> He was also appointed Presidential Oversight Chair of the [[Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office]] (PCSO).<ref name="autogenerated1"/> ===Chairman of the Civil Service Commission (2010–2015)=== On January 11, 2010, Duque was appointed as the Chairman of the [[Civil Service Commission]] (CSC).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/06/11/08/ca-confirms-gonzalez-puno-and-others |title=CA confirms Gonzalez, Puno and others|work=ABS-CBN News|access-date=November 21, 2019}}</ref> By March 9, 2010, Chairman Duque was named Vice-Chairman of the Career Executive Service Board (CESB).<ref name="rappleriii">{{Cite news |work=Rappler|url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/186495-fast-facts-doh-secretary-francisco-duque-iii |title=Archived copy |access-date=November 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104062952/https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/186495-fast-facts-doh-secretary-francisco-duque-iii |archive-date=November 4, 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> During his time as CSC Chairman, Duque was pivotal in developing the CSC Roadmap for Development and Reforms for 2010–15, a five-year blueprint that details the priority programs of CSC for the country's 1.4&nbsp;million civil servants.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://csc.gov.ph/2014-02-20-02-39-26/region-iii/85-about-the-csc.html |title=Region III |publisher=Csc.gov.ph |access-date=November 21, 2019}}</ref> Duque's other landmark programs included the Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS), Botika Para sa Taumbayan, Contact Center ng Bayan, and the CSC Computerized Examination System or COMEX.<ref name="rappleriii"/> Under Duque's Chairmanship, the CSC was conferred the "Governance Trailblazer Seal" after it achieved the highest compliance rating of 9.03 at the Performance Governance System (PGS) Revalida on October 14, 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.governance.org.ph/news/63|title=CSC Gets Governance Trailblazer Seal}}</ref> Under his chairmanship, the CSC got the highest rating, with 98 percent of clients saying they were satisfied with the services they received from the CSC based on a Pulse Asia survey which covered the period October 24 to November 17, 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tempo.com.ph/2011/csc-tops-pulse-asia-survey/#.T0NIIDVDwyo|title=CSC Tops Pulse Asia Survey}}</ref> ===GSIS President and second stint as Secretary of Health (2017–present)=== Duque was appointed Chairman of the [[Government Service Insurance System]] (GSIS) by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.untvweb.com/news/prrd-appoints-ex-csc-chair-francisco-duque-iii-new-health-secretary/ |title=PRRD appoints ex-CSC chair Francisco Duque III as new Health Secretary – UNTV News &#124; UNTV News |publisher=Untvweb.com |date=October 27, 2017 |access-date=November 21, 2019}}</ref> As chairman, he began laying the groundwork for various reforms to strengthen the government corporation. However, barely one year after his appointment to GSIS, President Duterte appointed Duque as DOH Secretary once more. Upon his assumption of office as DOH Secretary on November 6, 2017, he became the first returning health chief of the agency since the reappointment of Health Secretary Paulino Garcia in the 1960s.<ref>{{Cite news |work=Rappler|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/186477-francisco-duque-appointment-doh-secretary |title=Archived copy |access-date=November 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104062945/https://www.rappler.com/nation/186477-francisco-duque-appointment-doh-secretary |archive-date=November 4, 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Duque, as Health Secretary, has led reforms in improving the information technology system of PhilHealth to safeguard against fraudulent claims and other forms of [[cybercrime]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.doh.gov.ph/press-release/Duque-PhilHealth-to-fast-track-anti-fraud-IT-reforms |title=DUQUE: PHILHEALTH TO FAST-TRACK ANTI-FRAUD IT REFORMS &#124; Department of Health website |publisher=Doh.gov.ph |access-date=November 21, 2019}}</ref> Duque has also been an outspoken champion for raising vaccination rates among children and youth to combat highly contagious diseases such as polio and measles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.doh.gov.ph/node/16841 |title=Doh Launches Anti-Rabies Campaign, Reminds Public To Be Responsible Pet-Owners &#124; Department Of Health Website |publisher=Doh.gov.ph |access-date=November 21, 2019}}</ref> He has urged parents, health workers, and local governments to fully participate in the synchronized [[polio]] vaccination in order to stop the [[disease]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.doh.gov.ph/node/18012 |title=Polio Case Confirmed in the Philippines: DOH to mount mass immunization campaign &#124; Department of Health website |publisher=Doh.gov.ph |date=September 19, 2019 |access-date=November 21, 2019}}</ref> Duque moved for the historic passage of two major pieces of legislation – the Universally Accessible, Affordable Quality Medicine Act of 2008 and the Food and Drug Administration Law of 2009. ====Conflict of interest allegations==== On July 29, 2019, in his privilege speech, Senator [[Panfilo Lacson]] accused Duque of an alleged [[conflict of interest]] as Secretary of the Department of Health.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.untvweb.com/news/lacson-accuses-duque-of-conflict-of-interest/ |title=Lacson accuses Duque of conflict of interest – UNTV News &#124; UNTV News |publisher=Untvweb.com |date=July 30, 2019 |access-date=November 21, 2019}}</ref> Lacson claimed that the companies of Duque's siblings, Doctors' Pharmaceutical (DPI) and Educational and Medical Development Corporation (EMDC), continued to have contracts with government agencies despite Duque taking positions in government.<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite news|url=https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/07/30/duque-hopes-to-reach-out-to-lacson-to-clear-things-on-conflict-of-interest-allegations/ |title=Duque hopes to reach out to Lacson to clear things on conflict of interest allegations|work=Manila Bulletin|access-date=November 21, 2019}}</ref> According to Lacson, DPI continued to earn millions of pesos from the government through the lease of an EMDC building for the use of the Philippine Health Corporation Regional Office 1 in Dagupan City.<ref name="autogenerated2"/> During a hearing of the [[Senate Blue Ribbon Committee]] on August 14, 2019, Duque denied any conflict of interest in his part.<ref name="rappler1">{{Cite news |work=Rappler|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/237724-duque-insists-no-conflict-interest-family-business-dealings-with-government |title=Archived copy |access-date=November 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104062946/https://www.rappler.com/nation/237724-duque-insists-no-conflict-interest-family-business-dealings-with-government |archive-date=November 4, 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Duque emphasized that DPI has been partnering with the government since 1946 and was already a primary provider of anti-TB vaccines by 1996, the first time he acquired shares from the company.<ref name="rappler1"/> Also, according to Duque, he has already divested all personal interests with DPI since 2005.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/14/19/conflict-of-interest-duque-insists-familys-firms-transacted-with-govt-legally |title=Conflict of interest? Duque insists family's firms transacted with gov't legally|work=ABS-CBN News|date=August 14, 2019 |access-date=November 21, 2019}}</ref> As such, there can be no conflict of interest under RA 6713 because Duque has no personal interest in the company. In EMDC's case, Duque reiterated that the lease of the EMDC property was advantageous to the government because it allowed the Philhealth Region I Office to move out of a building that was declared a fire hazard.<ref name="By Ma. Teresa Montemayor">{{cite news|author=Ma. Teresa Montemayor |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077866 |title=No conflict of interest in PhilHealth building lease deal: Duque |work=Philippine News Agency|date=August 15, 2019 |access-date=November 21, 2019}}</ref> Also, the lease went to the proper procurement process and the directive of leasing office space is managed by the Regional Vice President of PhilHealth, and not the Board in which he was an ex-officio member.<ref name="By Ma. Teresa Montemayor"/> Duque also informed then PhilHealth CEO Alex Padilla in 2013 about his shares and was not ordered to divest, thus implying that there was no conflict of interest.<ref name="By Ma. Teresa Montemayor"/> ====Handling of COVID-19 response in the Philippines==== Secretary Duque was at the helm of the Department of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the outbreak in the Philippines, while cases were surging in Hubei, China, Secretary Duque told House members during Question Hour at the House of Representatives that while a temporary ban on Chinese tourists has been among the options being studied by government to dodge the deadly nCoV disease, there may be serious "political and diplomatic repercussions" with such a move.<ref>{{Cite news|work=Manila Bulletin|url=https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/01/29/duque-rejects-ban-on-chinese-tourists-cites-diplomatic-political-repercussions/|title=Duque rejects ban on Chinese tourists, cites diplomatic, political repercussions}}</ref> As Philippine cases (local transmission) increased and with limited testing capacity, he justified the violation of COVID-19 testing protocols.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1244663/duque-explains-preferential-tests-for-duterte-kin-others|title=Duque explains 'preferential tests' for Duterte kin, others|last=Yee|first=Jovic|work=Philippine Daily Inquirer|language=en|access-date=March 27, 2020}}</ref> Under his leadership, the Philippines was only able to perform 1,000 tests per day to service the 108 million Filipinos nationwide.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/03/22/news/national/doh-looks-at-1000-tests-daily/704919/|title=DoH looks at 1,000 tests daily|date=March 22, 2020|work=The Manila Times|language=en-US|access-date=March 27, 2020}}</ref> On March 19, 2020, Secretary Duque underwent home quarantine after one of its officials was infected with COVID-19. He was tested for COVID-19 because he is asthmatic and hypertensive, according to a text message by Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/19/20/philippine-health-chief-quarantined-due-to-covid-19|title=Philippine health chief on quarantine, awaits COVID-19 test result|date=March 19, 2020|work=ABS-CBN News|language=en|access-date=April 16, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/730393/duque-on-self-quarantine/story/|title=Duque on self-quarantine, undergoes test for COVID-19|date=March 19, 2020|work=GMA News|language=en-US|access-date=April 16, 2020}}</ref> Three days later, on March 22, 2020, the results tested negative.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/255452-doh-secretary-francisco-duque-coronavirus-test-result-negative|title=DOH Secretary Duque tests negative for coronavirus|last=Talabong|first=Rambo|date=March 22, 2020|work=Rappler|language=en|access-date=April 16, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/3/22/health-secretary-duque-tests-negative-coronavirus.html|title=Health Secretary Duque tests negative for COVID-19|date=March 22, 2020|work=CNN Philippines|language=en|access-date=April 16, 2020}}</ref> In a press briefing held on April 9, 2020, Secretary Duque noted that the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines is relatively "low" compared to other countries, despite limited testing. Duque's statements ran contrary to those earlier released by the Department of Health (DOH). His special assistant, Beverly Ho, earlier said in a virtual press briefing that the impact of the ECQ would only be learned by mid-April as it was too early to tell whether it had a role in curbing the spread of the coronavirus. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire also said that, before the "true picture" of the COVID-19 pandemic could be determined, the testing capacity of the country must first stabilize —meaning it must be able to conduct 8,000 to 10,000 COVID-19 tests a day.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1256076/duque-says-covid-19-cases-in-ph-low-despite-limited-testing|title=PH has one of lowest COVID-19 infection rates in the world, says Duque|last=Galvez|first=Daphne|work=Philippine Daily Inquirer|language=en|access-date=April 12, 2020}}</ref> Due to lack of leadership and transparency, the Health chief was heavily criticized for his performance in responding to the coronavirus disease pandemic in the country. Consequently, at least 15 senators filed Senate Resolution No. 362 on April 16, 2020, to revoke his position.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/734279/senators-seek-duque-s-resignation-for-failure-of-leadership-amid-covid-19-crisis/story/|title=Senators seek Duque's resignation for 'failure of leadership' amid COVID-19 crisis|last=Magsino|first=Dona|date=April 16, 2020|work=GMA News|language=en-US|access-date=April 16, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/258116-resign-senators-tell-duque-failed-coronavirus-response|title=Majority senators call on Duque to resign over 'failed' coronavirus response|last=Rey|first=Aika|date=April 16, 2020|work=Rappler|language=en|access-date=April 16, 2020}}</ref> On the other hand, the health secretary urged the [[League of Provinces of the Philippines]] to rally the governors to the war against COVID-19 and in establishing a "new normal" afterward. He said the 5-point strategy of the DOH is to: 1) Increase resilience, 2) Stop Transmission, 3) Reduce Contact Rate, 4) Shorten Duration of Infectiousness, and 5) Enhance Quality, Consistency, and Affordability of Care Provision.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://journal.com.ph/news/nation/duque-enlists-govs-beat-covid-19-strategy|title=Duque enlists govs in 'Beat COVID-19' strategy|date=April 29, 2020|access-date=April 29, 2020}}</ref> Despite all, the president stood by Duque advising not to dwell on criticisms and issues being hurled against him. The secretary has then expressed appreciation for the president's vote of confidence.<ref>{{Cite news|work=Philippine Daily Inquirer|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1288514/duque-on-fresh-resignation-calls-i-serve-at-the-pleasure-of-the-president|title=Duque on fresh resignation calls: 'I serve at the pleasure of the President'|access-date=June 26, 2020}}</ref> On June 5, 2020, Duque blamed the people of his own agency, the Department of Health, over unreleased financial compensation for health workers who died of COVID-19.<ref>{{Cite news |work=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1286697/fwd-nakakahiya-talaga-duque-blames-subordinated-in-doh-over-delayed-payment-of-benefits-to-healthcare-workers |title=‘Nakakahiya talaga’: Duque blames subordinates over delayed benefits of healthcare workers |last1=Ramos |first1=Christia Marie |access-date=August 30, 2021}}</ref> On July 31, 2020, Duque reported 38,075 recoveries in a day as an adjustment to include mild and or asymptomatic cases.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kravchuk|first=Max|title=SURPRISE! 'Mass Recovery' From COVID-19 Recorded in a Single Day As Cases Hit Close To 90,000, Exceeding China's|url=https://www.onenews.ph/surprise-mass-recovery-from-covid-19-recorded-in-a-single-day-as-cases-hit-close-to-90-000-exceeding-china-s|access-date=August 3, 2020|website=OneNews.ph|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=How PH recorded over 38,000 COVID-19 recoveries in a single day|url=https://rappler.com/nation/how-philippines-recorded-over-38000-covid-19-recoveries-july-30-2020|access-date=August 3, 2020|work=Rappler|language=en}}</ref> Following the announcement, the keywords "mass recovery" became a trending topic on Twitter, with over 7,400 tweets as of posting time, with the majority of the posts denouncing the government for allegedly trying to deceive the public.<ref name="Lalu">{{Cite news|last=Lalu|first=Gabriel Pabico|date=July 30, 2020|title=What mass recovery? Escudero joins calls for Duque's firing|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1314658/mass-recovery-escudero-joins-calls-for-duques-firing|access-date=August 3, 2020|work=Philippine Daily Inquirer|language=en}}</ref> [[Governor of Sorsogon|Sorsogon governor]] and former [[Senate of the Philippines|senator]] [[Francis Escudero]] stated that the change is "only in the Philippines" and is "intolerable and insulting" and asked President [[Rodrigo Duterte]] to fire Duque.<ref name="Lalu"/> On August 16, 2021, the health secretary accused the [[Commission on Audit (Philippines)|Commission on Audit (COA)]] of destroying the good image of the [[Department of Health (Philippines)|Department of Health]] with the latter's release of an audit report detailing serious adverse findings in the disbursement by DOH of the P67.32 billion worth of COVID-19 funds. "Winarak na ninyo kami eh. Winarak na ninyo ang dangal ng DOH. Winarak ninyo mga kasama ko rito. Hindi kami makaharap sa mga tao dahil ang dami-daming sinabi, ang dami-daming paratang (You destroyed us. You destroyed the DOH's good reputation. You destroyed everyone here. We cannot face the public due to a lot of hear-says and accusations). This is really unfair, unjust. This judgment has been handed down without giving DOH the full 60 days for us to give our reaction", Duque ranted during the congressional inquiry conducted by the House Committee on Public Accounts. The emotional Duque added that he and his fellow DOH officials have been losing sleep since the COA report started dominating the headlines and became viral online.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Himutok ni Duque sa COA: 'Winarak ninyo ang dangal ng DOH'|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/balitambayan/balita/799719/himutok-ni-duque-sa-coa-winarak-ninyo-ang-dangal-ng-doh/story/?amp|access-date=2021-08-31|website=www.gmanetwork.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Share|last2=Twitter|last3=Twitter|last4=Twitter|title=COA's report on pandemic fund deficiencies unfair, unjust: Duque|url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1150781|access-date=2021-08-31|website=www.pna.gov.ph|language=en}}</ref> ==Recognition== * Most Outstanding Rotary President District 3790 (1993) * Outstanding Thomasian Alumnus Leadership (TOTAL) Award in the Field of Government Service (2004)<ref name="Alumni – University of Santo Tomas">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ust.edu.ph/about/alumni/|title=Alumni – University of Santo Tomas|language=en-US|access-date=April 6, 2020}}</ref> * [[Albertus Magnus]] Science Award by the [[UST College of Science]] for his achievements in Medical Science, Public Health and Stewardship of the National Health Insurance Program (2007).<ref name="Alumni – University of Santo Tomas"/> ==References== {{reflist}} {{s-start}} {{s-off}}{{s-bef|before=Manuel Dayrit}} {{s-ttl|title=[[Secretary of Health (Philippines)|Secretary of Health]]|years=2005–2009}} {{s-aft|after=[[Esperanza Cabral]]}} |- {{s-bef|before=[[Paulyn Ubial]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[Secretary of Health (Philippines)|Secretary of Health]]|years=2017–present}} {{s-inc}} |- {{s-prec}} {{s-bef|before=[[Delfin Lorenzana]]|as=[[Secretary of National Defense (Philippines)|Secretary of National Defense]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[Philippine order of precedence|Order of Precedence of the Philippines]]<br>{{small|''as [[Secretary of Health (Philippines)|Secretary of Health]]''}}}} {{s-aft|after=[[Ramon Lopez (businessman)|Ramon Lopez]]|as=[[Secretary of Trade and Industry (Philippines)|Secretary of Trade and Industry]]}} {{s-end}} {{Duterte Cabinet}} {{COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines}} {{authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Duque, Francisco}} [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Arroyo Administration cabinet members]] [[Category:Chairpersons of constitutional commissions of the Philippines]] [[Category:Duterte Administration cabinet members]] [[Category:Filipino civil servants]] [[Category:Georgetown University alumni]] [[Category:Georgetown University School of Medicine alumni]] [[Category:Harvard School of Public Health alumni]] [[Category:Heads of government-owned and controlled corporations of the Philippines]] [[Category:Secretaries of Health of the Philippines]] [[Category:1957 births]]'