DOH told: Respond to audit findings instead of criticizing auditorsMANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health should explain the deficiencies the Commission on Audit found and not criticize state auditors for fulfilling their mandate, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines said. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III meanwhile bemoaned the COA report, accusing state auditors of “wrecking” his department’s reputation. Whatever ‘taint’ or ‘perception’ of corruption that arises from a COA report is not the fault of editors who are simply doing their sworn function,” it said. Amid a fresh wave of controversies against Duque and the DOH, President Rodrigo Duterte again stood by his health secretary and instead said state auditors must stop publishing their initial findings that “condemn” agencies. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice-led Task Force against Corruption and the Office of the Ombudsman are holding off their own investigations, saying they would let the DOH respond to the COA’s findings first.

Source: Philippine Star August 18, 2021 09:44 UTC