Ombudsman Martires smells something fishy on DOH’s response to probe

Ombudsman Samuel Martires said Friday he thinks the Department of Health was hiding something when it gave investigators the runaround when they started the probe before the lockdown.

Martires also said he would be issuing a to the Department of Health and Department of Budget and Management concerning the ongoing investigation on DOH’s coronavirus response.

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“It is either they are attending a meeting, o walang gustong sumagot sa aming mga itatanong, hanggang naabutan na kami ng lockdown [no one was answering, until the lockdown came],” Martires said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

The Ombudsman launched a two-week probe on DOH before President Rodrigo Duterte put most of the country under community quarantines on March 15.

“We are not demanding much of their time. In fact, these [cooperation with the investigation] can be done by a clerk, not even a division chief, unless they want to sanitize the documents. May mga itinatago [it appears they are hiding something],” he added.

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Ombudsman Martires said his office is investigating the Health Secretary for the following reasons:

  • purchase of 100 thousand test kits by the Department of Health
  • delayed procurement of Personal Protective Equipment and other medical gears necessary for the protection of healthcare workers
  • alleged lapses and irregularities that led to the death of medical workers
  • rising number of deaths and infected medical frontliners
  • inaction in the release processing of benefits and financial assistance of “fallen” and infected medical frontliners; and
  • confusing and delayed reporting of COVID-19 related deaths and confirmed cases

Also read: Vergerie: DOH surprised on Ombudsman probe

“They can just order their subordinates to provide the documents. Low morale? Are we not suffering low morale too? Are we happy that medical frontliners died? Are we happy with what is happening? Why do they always think of themselves at hindi kabutihan ng bawat isa?” Martires said.

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“We want to know who is responsible for this. Somebody must be held accountable,” he added.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, meanwhile, said they welcome the investigation of the Ombudsman.

“The DOH welcomes the investigation and will comply with all directives from the Office of Ombudsman,” the department said in a statement.

“The DOH has been transparent in the COVID-19 response, including procurement transactions and the provision of benefits to healthcare workers,” it added.