Press Release/ February 28, 2018
The Department of Health said Wednesday that it will implement changes in its senior leadership, effective next week.
Secretary Francisco T. Duque III explained that the changes were made in light of investigations concerning high-ranking officials of the Department.
Under these changes, certain undersecretaries, assistant secretaries and directors will be reassigned to other offices.
“I am re-assigning certain undersecretaries, assistant secretaries and directors of the Department of Health in order to preserve the integrity of ongoing investigations and to prevent any potential undue influence on their findings,” Duque said.
Last week, two senior officials at the Food and Drug Administration were reassigned upon the recommendation of the Director General.
“I respect the recommendation of the Director General to support any efforts in ensuring that ongoing investigations remain fair and transparent and immune to undue influence,” Duque added.
The DOH assures the public that it is not taking allegations of impropriety lightly. Secretary Francisco T. Duque III is a longtime advocate of good governance and is keen on bringing transformational leadership to the department.