ABS-CBN
Duque says statement during House probe 'taken out of context'
Former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III stated that former President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the transfer of P47.6 billion from the DOH to the PS-DBM in 2020 for COVID-19 supplies.
Duque later clarified that his statement during a House hearing was taken out of context and that the fund transfer was authorized by Duterte and consistent with the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act due to the urgency of procuring medical supplies.
The Ombudsman previously ordered the filing of graft charges against Duque and former DBM Undersecretary Christopher Lao for the "irregular transfer" of funds and found them guilty of grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the service.
Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed no surprise at the revelation and suggested that former President Duterte should be included in the investigation to explain his directive.
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Senator Robinhood Padilla stated that former President Rodrigo Duterte did not break any laws when he authorized the transfer of P47.6 billion in COVID-19 funds to the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM).
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Senator Risa Hontiveros is calling for former President Rodrigo Duterte to be included in the Office of the Ombudsman's investigation into Pharmally deals concerning COVID-19 supplies.
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