By Aileen Lor
The Ombudsman has ordered former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and former Budget Undersecretary Christopher Lao to be charged with corruption for allegedly transferring more than P41 billion in money to purchase COVID-19 supplies during the peak of the outbreak.
In a 49-page resolution dated May 6 and released this Friday, the Ombudsman said the DOH's transfer of P41 billion to DBM's Procurement Services led by Lao, PS-
DBM is said to be only allowed to purchase common use supplies (CSE). Which is not covered by the COVID-19 pandemic supplies purchased from the P41 billion allocation from the DOH.
Moreover, In a separate verdict on the administrative complaint filed against Duque and Lao, the Ombudsman found them guilty of egregious misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the service and neglect of duty.
Meanwhile, the Ombudsman dismissed the criminal and administrative charges against Myrna C. Cabotaje, Ma. Carolina V. Taiño, and Roger Tong-an. Napoleon Arevalo, Leopoldo Vega, Lorica Rabago, Enrique Tayag, Filpina Velásquez, and Crispinita Valdez.
A complaint against Duque and Lao will be filed with the Sandiganbayan.
