Duterte Will Jail Those Who Misuse COVID-19 and PhilHealth Funds

President Rodrigo Duterte said Tuesday he would make sure that those behind corruption in state-run PhilHealth would be sent to jail. He also assured the nation that he would account for all funds spent to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Duterte said he ordered “stricter measures” on the use of public funds under Bayanihan 1 and 2, the country’s coronavirus response laws. Bayanihan 2, which seeks at least P140 billion to fight COVID-19 and P25 billion on standby, hurdled a bicameral conference and will soon be submitted to the President for his signature.

"Gusto ko ipaalam sa lahat, upon my oath of office, wag kayong mag-aalala, lahat ng pera na nagastos dito sa away ng COVID ay ma-aaccount, I will hold myself accountable for this solemn duty," Duterte said.

(I want it to be known to everyone, upon my oath of office, do not worry, all the money spent in the fight against COVID will be accounted, I will hold myself accountable for this solemn duty.)

"Allow us time to do our thing, spend the money and there will always be the time for reckoning. Huwag kayo ma-ano diyan sa PhilHealth pati dito sa Bayanihan 1 and 2 (Do not be bothered with PhilHealth and with Bayanihan 1 and 2.)," he said.

This story originally appeared on Reportr.World. Minor edits have been made by Esquiremag.ph editors.