Manila – The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered a motu propio investigation on Department of Health (DOH) officials, led by secretary Francisco Duque III, due to alleged anomalies in their coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response.
Ombudsman Samuel Martires said yesterday that Duque and other DOH officials were being probed by his office after evaluating the initial reports that were gathered and upon the recommendation of his assistant Ombudsman.
“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.
Among the issues to be investigated on Duque and other DOH officials were:
● Purchase of 100 thousand test kits by the DOH
● 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 and 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 have started conducting an investigation ahead of the imposition of the enhanced community quarantine last March 15, but the investigators were given a runaround by some DOH officials and personnel.
“The investigating team has been instructed to file the necessary criminal and/or administrative case against any official or employee who refuses to cooperate with the ongoing probe,” Martires said.
Duque, in response to the planned Ombudsman probe on DOH, said they are ready to be investigated.
“We welcome and we are open [to] these investigations on the alleged issues. We are ready, the papers and documents are ready,” he said in an interview with GMA News./PN
