Palace hails Duque election as WHO regional panel chief

MANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III’s election as the World Health Organization (WHO)’s regional committee head for the Western Pacific is a testament that the Philippine government is effectively doing its job in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Malacañang.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. regarded the WHO post as a recognition of the government’s response to COVID-19, possibly as one of the best in the region.

Roque congratulated Duque who was elected unopposed by 37 member states this week.

“Congratulations to Secretary Duque and my classmate in the Cabinet and this proves WHO’s trust on the ability of Secretary Duque,” Roque said.