Ombudsman orders to investigate Duque, other DOH officials for ‘irregularities’

DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III

(C) The Star

Last updated on May 7th, 2021 at 05:26 am

MANILA – Ombudsman Samuel Martires orders the investigation of the Department of Health (DOH), including Secretary Francisco Duque III and other officials and employees of the Department over alleged irregularities on the response  to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Ombudsman confirmed that he has directed two or more investigating team to probe the alleged anomalies and irregularities committed by the Health Secretary and high ranking officials of the DOH.

According to Ombudsman Martires, these are the points of interest:

– The delayed procurement of physical protective equipment (PPE) and medical gears to protect the healthcare workers

– The alleged lapses and irregularities that led to the death of medical workers and frontliners

– Inaction in the release and processing of benefits and financial assistance of “fallen” and infected medical front liners

– The confusing and delayed reporting of COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths

Martires also revealed that the office is also looking at 11 complaints against local officials who were mishandling the distribution of financial aid to Filipinos under the government’s SAP. Malacañang said that it respects Martires move to investigate Duque, as an independent constitutional body, we will let the process run its course and advised secretary Duque and the entire DOH bureaucracy to cooperate in the investigation.