Manila: Three prison officials were officially relieved of their duties as President Benigno Aquino started a massive reshuffling of cabinet and other appointed officials a day after accepting the resignation of Health Secretary Enrique Ona on Friday, sources told Gulf News on Saturday.
President Aquino has accepted the resignation of Secretary Ona who went on leave on October 28 due to an allergic reaction to a hair dye, said Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa. He did not comment on whether the president would retain Janette Garin, who was appointed acting health secretary this October.
Ona and Health Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag were questioned for the health department’s purchase of P833 million (Dh6.9 million) worth of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines 10 (PCV 10) for children and elderly in 2012.
The investigation stemmed from complaints of the World Health Organisation, the National Centre for Pharmaceutical Access and Management, and the Formulary Executive Council that had recommended the purchase of PVC 13, which would be more expensive for the Philippine government.
The result of the investigation, however, was not released after the acceptance of Ona’s resignation.
