By Nehmia Elyxa Relano

PHOTO: PCOO

President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday said the government should not be affected by the "conundrum" around Commission on Audit (COA) reports instead focus on their response against the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Duterte made the statement after the COA cited deficiencies in the 2020 budget of various agencies such as the Department of Health (DOH), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).



“I want our agencies to rather focus on our response against the pandemic. Government should not be affected by—Lahat kayo sa gobyerno, ‘wag na kayo makinig (All of you in the government, do not listen),” Duterte said in his pre-recorded public address.

He also asked all agencies involved, particularly the DOH, to go about their duties. 



Meanwhile, Duterte reassured the public that he is still committed to ensuring that the country will win the fight against the pandemic.

“I am committed to leading our nation out of this pandemic with the help of our frontline institutions so that we can be victorious and we can be ready for a bigger future,” he stated. 


Report source: Manila Bulletin