Ona's fate depends on answer to PNoy

MANILA, Philippines - The fate of Health Secretary Enrique Ona, who has been rumored to be on the way out of the Cabinet, would depend on his answers to the questions raised by President Aquino, Malacañang said Tuesday.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said Ona deserves to be given “a chance to a fair shake” while preparing to answer the issues surrounding the procurement of multi-million peso worth of vaccines in 2012.

“It would depend on his answers to the questions propounded by the President. The President himself mentioned he had questions on a particular issue on the vaccines,” Valte said when asked about the chances that Ona would keep his job.

“He has asked for a month to gather answers to the questions that have been propounded to him so let’s give a fair shake during the month that he asked for,” she added.

Ona and Health Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag are being investigated for the questionable purchase of P833 million worth of vaccines two years ago.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has started the probe, which stemmed from the complaint from stakeholders whom she did not identify.

Ona and Tayag reportedly approved the procurement of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine 10 (PCV 10), a vaccine for children’s pulmonary diseases, even if the National Center for Pharmaceutical Access and Management, Formulary Executive Council and the World Health Organization advised them that PCV 13 is more cost effective.

Last month, officials said Ona went on a month long leave while recovering from an allergic reaction to hair dye. President Aquino later on revealed that Ona took a leave of absence to allow him to answer the questions surrounding the purchase of vaccines.

"He has asked for time to put together answers to my questions that is why he asked for a leave," Aquino said in an earlier interview.

"Whether or not I am satisfied with him will come after the answers we get to my questions on vaccination," he added.

Valte said Ona has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“The presumption applies to everyone, every Filipino. It is provided by the 1987 Constitution. That is not a policy of the President,” she said.

Valte claimed that the President’s directive to have the purchase investigated is not a sign of doubt about Ona’s integrity.

“It is not a sign of doubt. If you recall, this is not the first time that the President has asked an investigation, not specifically on the person but on a particular incident,” the Palace official said. 

“Remember, the President also gave instructions for the MRT (Metro Rail Transit) incident and the President does this just to ascertain the facts at hand,” she added.

Valte was referring to the extortion allegations against MRT general manager Al Vitangcol III, who went on leave before quitting his post.

There have been persistent reports that Ona is about to lose his post as he has reportedly displeased the President over other issues.

The President reportedly frowned upon the health chief’s request for P600-million for the rehabilitation and renovation of the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, P1-billion for the renovation of Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, and a P3-million Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota Hilux.

When asked whether the reports stating that Ona is on his way out of the cabinet have basis, Valte said: “I will not be able to answer that. The president said he asked for a month (to explain). He was given it. Let’s wait for his answers.”