Duterte fires FDA Director-General Puno due to corruption allegations

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 6:05 p.m.) — President Rodrigo Duterte sacked Food and Drug Administration Director General Nela Charade Puno due to allegations of corruption.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo Thursday read to reporters a copy of the letter to Puno dated May 15, 2019.

WATCH: Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo announces the dismissal of FDA Director General Nela Charade Puno @PhilippineStar @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/xC02UwrqI0

— Alexis B. Romero (@alexisbromero) May 16, 2019

Quoting from the letter, Panelo said Puno’s appointment has been terminated effective immediately, “in line with the president’s continuing mandate to eradicate graft and corruption and to ensure that public officials and employees conduct themselves in a manner worthy of public trust.”

Neither the letter nor Panelo did not expound on the corruption allegations against Puno.

Malacañang also ordered the sacked FDA chief to turnover all official documents to the Department of Health to ensure the continued service of the agency.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea signed the letter.

Duterte on April 23 said he would issue “so many letters of dismissal” against corrupt government officials.

During his speech at the 7th Union Asia Pacific Regional Conference, he reminded the audience, who were mostly health workers, to ensure that their services reach the “poorest of the poor because they are the ones who need it most.”

Duterte appointed Puno as head of the FDA in August 2016.

Puno survived an ambush in October 2018 of New People’s Army members in Lupi, Camarines Sur.

She survived the attack but three police officers, identified as Police Sergeant Percival Rafael, Police Corporal Carlito Navarroza and Patrolman Ralph Jason Vida, were killed.

READ: Palace denounces NPA attack on FDA chief's convoy

Two other police security were wounded in the ambush. —  Kristine Joy Patag with a report from The STAR/Alexis Romero