Inquirer
INQToday: Ex-DBM exec tagged in Pharmally mess arrested for graft in Davao City
Lloyd Christopher Lao, former officer-in-charge of the Department of Budget and Management - Procurement Service (PS-DBM), was arrested in Davao City on September 18, 2024.
The arrest was based on an arrest warrant from the Sandiganbayan's first division, dated September 12, and is in connection with graft charges.
He is accused of illegal fund transfer of P41.4 billion from the Department of Health (DOH) to the PS-DBM in 2020, intended for COVID-19 medical supplies.
The charges also name former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, who allegedly acted in bad faith by approving the fund transfer.
Lao allegedly accepted the funds despite the PS-DBM not having the necessary supplies, resulting in a 4% service fee of P1.659 billion.
He is also tagged in the Pharmally mess and is detained at the CIDG Regional Field Unit 11 office in Davao City, with bail set at P90,000.
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Former budget undersecretary Lloyd Christopher Lao was arrested in Davao City on Wednesday via a warrant from the Sandiganbayan First Division for alleged corruption involving billions in COVID-19 funds.
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Former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has posted bail for graft charges related to the Department of Health's (DOH) P41 billion transfer to the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) for COVID-19 supplies.
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