Duterte sacks FDA chief Puno over alleged corruption

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 16) — President Rodrigo Duterte has fired another government official over alleged corruption.

The latest to fall on Duterte’s chopping block was Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Nela Charade Puno, Malacañang confirmed Thursday. She was handed her dismissal letter on Wednesday.

“This is line with the President’s continuing mandate to eradicate graft and corruption, and to ensure that public officials and employees conduct themselves in a manner worthy of public trust,” read the order, which was signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

Health Undersecretary Rolando Enrique Domingo will be appointed FDA officer-in-charge, the Department of Health (DOH) said in a statement Thursday.

“The DOH supports President Duterte’s commitment to eradicate graft and corruption in all government agencies,” the department said.

Puno was appointed FDA chief in 2016.

In previous speeches, Duterte reiterated he would fire more officials for corruption.