Sacked FDA head ready for probe
Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Fri, 17 May 2019 08:50:14 +0000
PUNO
Fired Food and Drug Administration Director General Nela Charade Puno said yesterday that she was “clueless” on the corruption allegations which Malacanang cited as the reason for her termination.
“I take exception to the mention of so-called ‘corruption allegations’ because I am clueless as to what these are,” said Puno in a statement.
“I have not been charged in any legal proceedings nor am I aware of any official investigations being undertaken in relation to corruption involving me,” she added.
Puno said that she is ready to face any corruption charges in any forum.
“I leave FDA with a clear conscience and what I believe to be a clean record. It is completely unnecessary to sully the personal and professional reputations of people who sacrifice to render public service,” she said.
The former FDA chief said that she accepted her dismissal without any “ill-feelings.”
“As a presidential appointee, I serve at the pleasure of the President and therefore I accept his decision without any ill-feelings. I would like to thank the President for the opportunity and honor of having served the Food and Drug Administration as its Director General,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health said that Health Undersecretary Rolando Enrique Domingo will assume as officer-in-charge of the agency.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo announced the termination of Puno the other day, saying that this is “in line with the President’s continuing mandate to eradicate graft and corruption and to ensure that public officials and employees conduct themselves in manner worthy of public trust.” (Analou de Vera)