The senator earlier today dared Duque to present the Department of Health's expenses, including on where funds for the country's COVID-19 response went. Pacquiao, in mentioning DOH but without proof, was accepting President Rodrigo Duterte's call to name corrupt officials in his administration. "While we are disheartened by these baseless accusations from our government officials," Duque said in a statement, "we submit ourselves to inquiries from legislators as this is a part of the checks and balances in our government." But two-time health chief said he has "always been a champion of good governance," and that the health department has been transparent on the utilization of their funds. "The money from funding agencies do not go through the DOH and even through government," Duque added in Filipino.

Source: Philippine Star June 29, 2021 13:30 UTC