(UPDATE) Aquino accepts resignation of health secretary

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua)  President Benigno Aquino III has finally accepted the resignation of Health Secretary Enrique Ona effective on December 19, a senior official said today.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa has already informed Ona of the president' s decision.

Ona initially went on a month-long leave after Aquino ordered him to submit a comprehensive report on the immunization and vaccination programs of the government.

Ona is currently being investigated for the purchase of Pneumoccocal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) 10 after the World Health Organization recommended PCV 13.

Aquino has said that apart from the vaccine purchase, Ona is being investigated for two to three more items.