Puno accepts dismissal, maintains ‘honesty’ in FDA tenure
By Vann Marlo M. Villegas, Reporter
DISMISSED Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director-General Nela Charade G. Puno said she accepts her dismissal by President Rodrigo R. Duterte but maintained that she is “clueless” about the allegations of corruption against her.
Ms. Puno said in a statement she accepts her termination last Wednesday “without any ill feelings” but “takes exception to the mention of so-called ‘corruption allegations.’”
“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,” she said.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo on Thursday announced Ms. Puno’s dismissal, saying this was in line with Mr. Duterte’s campaign against graft and corruption.
Ms. Puno also noted that she worked in the private sector before her appointment to the FDA in 2016, which makes her “completely unfamiliar with the political maneuverings in the bureaucracy.”
“I served as the Director General of the FDA for 2 years and 10 months with complete honesty, diligence, dedication, and loyalty,” she said.
“I leave FDA with a clear conscience and what I believe to be a clean record. It is completely unnecessary to sully the personal and professional reputations of people who sacrifice to render public service,” she added.
Ms. Puno also said it was during her tenure the FDA gained recognition and accreditation of regulatory standards in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
