DOH welcomes Duque’s appointment as health chief

FILE: Duque also served as DOH Secretary from June 2005 to January 2010 under the administration of former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. (Photo: GSIS website)

MANILA – Malacañang’s appointment of former Department of Health (DOH) and Civil Service Commission (CSC) chief, Francisco Duque III, as interim Health Secretary on Thursday has drawn positive reactions.

In a text message, Undersecretary Herminigildo Valle, who has served as DOH officer-in-charge after Dr. Paulyn Ubial’s appointment was rejected, praised Duque’s capability and lengthy experience as a public servant.

“He is definitely capable and experienced,” said Valle who was attending a National Staff Meeting in Iloilo when the announcement was made.

He added that the DOH is ready to move forward under Duque’s able leadership.

Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony Leachon, former president of the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) and current PhilHealth independent director, said, “Secretary Duque is a competent and well experienced public official with unquestionable integrity.”

Leachon added that in his interaction with Duque, he has witnessed the latter’s “professionalism, dedication and vast knowledge of PhilHealth management issues”.

“(Duque) will definitely be a great asset to President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration,” he added.

Prior to his appointment, Duque also served as chairman of the board of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). (PNA)