Ona’s fate uncertain as leave of absence ends

MANILA, Philippines - The month-long leave of absence of Health Secretary Enrique Ona ends today without any formal announcement from Malacañang on whether he stays or goes.

Department of Health (DOH) spokesman Lyndon Lee Suy could not say whether Ona would be replaced or asked to stay in his post.

Ona took a leave for “health and personal reasons” but reports said he was forced by Malacañang to vacate his post amid questionable procurement of vaccine against pneumonia PCV-10 in 2012.

Health Undersecretary Janette Garin took over as DOH office-in-charge.

“We cannot give any information yet, not even a clue on what’s next. We don’t know,” said Lee Suy, who claimed that despite his official leave, Ona was still giving advice to the DOH on its fight against Ebola virus.

Lee Suy gave assurance that whoever would lead the department would enjoy the full support of the DOH community.

“Whatever happens next, we are serving the institution, whether Secretary Ona is coming back, whether acting Secretary Garin or anyone else, we will support him or her. It is part of our responsibility to support the institution we serve,” he added.

The National Bureau of Investigation is probing why the DOH opted to buy PCV-10 vaccine when the World Health Organization recommended the higher dose PCV-13 because it is more cost-effective in combating childhood pneumonia.

Garin, on the other hand, had also ordered an investigation of an order issued by Ona providing for a clinical trial on the use of ActRx TriACT – or arteminsin combination treatment (ACT) – in the treatment of dengue.

ACT was first clinically tested as a cure for malaria. But under Ona’s order, it was being tested as a treatment for dengue by including the herbal-based berberine.

The clinical trial for dengue was administered among patients in 10 government hospitals nationwide.

Ona’s fate up to Noy

Malacañang said Ona’s fate is up to President Aquino.

Aquino had confirmed asking Ona to take a leave so he could prepare his answer to the investigation into the allegedly anomalous purchase of vaccines.

However, the President did not make any judgment pending the results of the investigation.