She accepted her termination “without ill-feelings,” but dismissed Food and Drug Administration Director-General Nela Charade Puno on Friday denied the corruption allegations lodged against her by Malacañang.
In a statement, Puno confirmed she received her termination letter on Thursday afternoon and accepted President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision.
But she said she was surprised by the corruption claims.
“I take exception to the mention of the so-called ‘corruption allegations’ because I am clueless as to what these are,” Puno said.
“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.
“Of course, if there will be any such allegations forthcoming, I am more than ready to face these in any forum.”
Puno said her tenure as FDA chief revolved only around “honesty and loyalty.” She said she was “completely unfamiliar” with the “political maneuvering in the bureaucracy” for she had worked in the private sector before her appointment in August 2016.
“I served as the director-general of the FDA for two years and 10 months with complete honesty, diligence, dedication and loyalty,” Puno said.
She said the FDA accomplished many things when she was at the helm, and that it received several certifications and recognition.
“It was during my tenure that the FDA gained three ISO certifications and ASEAN recognition as the fifth ASEAN-member country whose regulatory standards were so accredited,” Puno said.
“I also implemented the decentralization and regionalization of the FDA, the digitalization of its registration processes, the support of MSMEs in a joint effort with the Department of Trade and Industry, and strict regulatory enforcement of FDA laws in cooperation with the Philippine National Police.”
Puno said she “consciously and vigorously resisted the regulatory capture of the FDA.” She said she would vacate her position with a “clear conscience.”
“I leave FDA with a clear conscience and what I believe to be a clean record, Puno said.
“It is completely unnecessary to sully the personal and professional reputations of people who sacrifice to render public service.”
On Thursday, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo told reporters that Puno’s dismissal was part of Duterte’s continuing mandate to eradicate graft and corruption in the government.
Panelo, however, did not elaborate on the cause of Puno’s termination. He also did not provide information on any probe to prove any reason for her termination.
Following the sudden announcement, the Department of Health, which oversees the operations of the FDA, said it supported the President’s decision.