Ombudsman Samuel Martires ordered Wednesday a motu propio investigation on Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and other health officials over alleged “anomalies” in the Department of Health’s (DOH) response to the COVID-19 crisis.
“I directed the creation of two more investigating teams who will jointly investigate alleged irregularities and anomalies committed by DOH officials and employees, including Health Secretary Francisco Duque, in relation to the response of the DOH during this pandemic,” Martires said.
Martires said in a text message sent to Super Radyo dzBB’s Senior Correspondent Rowena Salvacion that the Ombudsman 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
The Ombudsman ordered the investigating team to file necessary criminal and/or administrative cases against any government official who would refuse to cooperate with the ongoing probe.
Martires revealed that Ombudsman started the investigation on Duque even before the declaration of the enhanced community quarantine on March 15. Some DOH officials and personnel, however, gave the investigators a runaround.
Also read: No more investigation on ‘overpriced’ PPEs after Duterte defended DOH
In April, senators filed a resolution, calling Duque to resign immediately concerning his performance in handling the COVID-19 crisis in the country. Despite the issues, Malacañang said Duque still enjoys the trust and confidence of Duterte.
Senator Grace Poe revealed earlier the 1 million sets of PPEs purchased by DOH were “overpriced” by as much as P1.4 billion. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, however, denied Poe’s allegations.
Senator Panfilo Lacson also said the anomalous purchase also included polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests swabbing system.
Lacson said DOH bought each swabbing unit for $32, which could be purchased for only $12 at cost from China.
President Rodrigo Duterte said the alleged “overpriced” personal protective equipment (PPEs) purchased by the DOH would no longer be investigated.